UKHIYA, Bangladesh — Four Hercules planes carrying 34 tons of aid for Rohinyga refugees have departed for Bangladesh from an Air Force base in the Indonesian capital.
Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has called for an immediate end to violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state and promised significant humanitarian aid. He and other officials including his foreign minister and military chief inspected the relief operation before its departure from Halim Air Base.
Presidential spokesman Johan Budi said the planes are carrying rice, instant meals, family kits, tents, water tanks and blankets.
He said it's the first batch of aid from Indonesia following discussions with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
At least 370,000 Rohingya have flooded into Bangladesh since Aug. 25, when Myanmar's military responded to an insurgent attack with what it called "clearance operations" to root out the rebels. Many of the fleeing Rohingya have said Myanmar soldiers shot indiscriminately, burned their homes and warned them to leave or die. Others said they were attacked by Buddhist mobs. (AP)