In Indonesia’s western province of Aceh, a rare cyclone in November killed hundreds of people and left hundreds of thousands homeless. Aceh was the worst-hit province, and residents still lack access to clean water, food, electricity, and medical help.
People are criticizing the government’s slow response and raising white flags to call for international aid. The provincial governor publicly criticized the situation, but President Prabowo Subianto refused aid, saying the situation is “under control.” No emergency has been declared, slowing the delivery of help.
White flags usually signal surrender, but Aceh residents are using them to attract international attention. Many villages have been destroyed, roads damaged, and people are suffering from disease and hunger. The government has allocated 60 trillion rupiah ($3.6bn) for recovery work.
Residents compare the situation to the 2004 tsunami, when help arrived faster. Critics say Prabowo’s refusal of international aid is to protect his political image. Deforestation for palm oil plantations has also worsened the floods.
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