Anger is growing in Indonesia’s westernmost province as flood survivors accuse the central government of responding too slowly to a disaster that has killed more than 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The floods, triggered by a rare cyclone in November, devastated large parts of Sumatra. Aceh province was the worst hit, accounting for nearly half of the deaths. Weeks later, many residents still lack access to clean water, food, electricity and medical care.
Frustration has spilled into public protest, with residents raising white flags across Aceh as a sign of distress. Earlier this month, North Aceh Governor Ismail A. Jalil broke down in tears before cameras, questioning whether authorities in Jakarta understood the scale of suffering on the ground.
Despite the situation, President Prabowo Subianto has rejected foreign aid and declined to declare the floods a national disaster, a move that would unlock emergency funding and streamline relief efforts. “Indonesia is capable of overcoming this disaster,” he told his cabinet, insisting the crisis was under control.
The decision has drawn criticism from analysts and residents alike, who describe the government’s response as slow and disconnected. Last week, dozens of protesters gathered in Banda Aceh, waving white flags and calling for international assistance. Demonstrators said the flags symbolise a plea for solidarity, not surrender.
Entire villages have been destroyed, with damaged roads and infrastructure isolating many communities. Survivors report shortages of food and medicine, while provincial authorities have appealed to the United Nations for support.
The federal government says it has released about 60 trillion rupiah ($3.6bn) for reconstruction nationwide, but critics argue that aid has not reached many affected areas. Several offers of foreign assistance, including food supplies from the United Arab Emirates, were reportedly turned away following guidance from the central government.
For many in Aceh, the crisis has revived painful memories of the 2004 tsunami, when international aid arrived swiftly despite far greater devastation. “Relief came faster back then,” said resident Rindu Majalina, who is struggling to feed her children after losing her home. “Surviving the flood was one thing. What came after has been even worse.”