They Survived Deadly Floods: Now They’re Raising White Flags – But Not in Surrender
Indonesians Raise White Flags Amidst Growing Anger Over Slow Flood Aid
For weeks, the residents of Indonesia’s Aceh province have been voicing their frustration over the government’s slow response to disastrous flooding. The catastrophic deluge, triggered by an unusual cyclone in November, has claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands across Sumatra. In Aceh, the region most severely affected, many survivors still lack basic necessities such as clean water, food, electricity, and medical care. The emotional toll is evident; North Aceh’s governor, Ismail A Jalil, was seen breaking down publicly, questioning the central government’s apparent indifference to their plight.
– “Does the central government not know [what we’re experiencing]? I don’t understand,” he lamented tearfully in front of cameras.
Despite the urgent need for aid, President Prabowo Subianto has declined foreign assistance, insisting that the situation is under control. He stated, Indonesia is capable of overcoming this disaster, during a cabinet meeting last week. Furthermore, he has ignored calls to declare a national disaster, which would unlock vital emergency funds and streamline immediate relief efforts.
Growing Discontent
Criticism of Prabowo’s leadership is mounting; observers describe his administration as reactive, disorganized, and disconnected from reality. Analysts point to a trend of populist promises made during his February 2024 election campaign, with a recent billion-dollar free school meals initiative entangled in controversy due to mass food poisonings. This year has already seen widespread protests against unemployment and rising living costs—the largest demonstrations the country has experienced in decades.
Simultaneously, the ongoing crisis related to November’s floods has only compounded the challenges facing the president, even as his approval ratings linger around 78%.
A Distress Signal
Desperate calls for action erupted last Thursday in Banda Aceh, where dozens of protesters waved white flags as a plea for foreign aid. Among them stood a little girl holding a sign that read: I am just three years old, I want to grow up in a safe and sustainable world.
Traditionally viewed as a symbol of surrender, the white flags have emerged across the province, adorning broken rooftops, eroded riverbanks, and outside mosques. Protesters emphasize that the flags represent a call for international solidarity rather than a gesture of defeat. The flags do not mean we are giving in. They are a distress signal to grab the attention of friends outside, to let them know the conditions in Aceh today are very bad, stated Husnul Khawatinnissa, a participant in the rally.
Tragically, entire villages have been obliterated, and damaged roads have isolated many communities. Survivors recount harrowing tales of disease and starvation, with demonstrator Nurmi Ali shouting, How long more do we have to wash ourselves in mud and floodwaters? To bolster their efforts, provincial authorities have sought support from the United Nations, with the Aceh governor asserting that assistance is welcome from anyone, anywhere.
Past Disasters and Current Challenges
The catastrophic floods in Aceh evoke painful memories of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which resulted from a magnitude 9.1 undersea earthquake that unleashed waves up to 30 meters high. This devastating event killed an estimated 230,000 people across multiple countries, with Aceh being among the most severely affected regions. Many residents claim the speed of aid received after the tsunami was far greater, an assessment corroborated by international relief efforts that amounted to billions of dollars.
Everyone took action, and the community recovered quickly after the tsunami. What we’re suffering now is worse, lamented Rindu Majalina, who was a high school student during the tsunami and now struggles to feed her children after floods destroyed their home. Villagers reportedly fight like zombies for supply deliveries amidst rampant starvation.
While several nations have offered aid—such as the UAE sending 30 tonnes of rice and 300 relief packages—these efforts have been rebuffed by Prabowo’s administration, which cited guidance from the central government.
Lack of Responsiveness
Critics argue that the president’s refusal of international aid is a measure of asserting authority, fearing that accepting help would invite scrutiny of his governance. According to Vidhyandika Djati Perkasa, a senior political researcher, Opening the door to foreign assistance means inviting foreign scrutiny, which they do not want… [Prabowo] doesn’t want to be seen as a failure and is trying to maintain his image.
Scholars like Vedi Hadiz from the University of Melbourne assert that the administration prioritizes symbolic performance of sovereignty over effective crisis management. Many lament that the government appears unwilling or unable to comprehend the true extent of conditions faced on the ground.
As Rindu Majalina reflects on her initial sense of relief at surviving the floods, she shares, It turns out the post-disaster situation is even worse. It has been very painful and miserable. Everything has come to a complete standstill, from markets to schools to offices. My children don’t know if they’ll ever be able to go back to school.
With desperate cries for help resonating across Aceh, the residents’ white flags serve as powerful symbols of resilience and a call for solidarity in their time of need.