Indonesians Raise White Flags Amidst Anger Over Delayed Flood Relief

Fri Dec 26 2025 19:35:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Residents of Aceh province in Indonesia are protesting by raising white flags, expressing their frustration over the slow response to devastating floods that have left thousands in dire need of aid.

As anger mounts over the Indonesian government's inadequate response to severe flooding in Aceh province, residents are raising white flags as a cry for international assistance. The government has refused foreign aid and insisted on maintaining control, despite the extensive devastation that has resulted in widespread suffering and scarcity of basic necessities.

For weeks now, angry and distressed residents in Indonesia's westernmost province have been raising white flags over the state's slow response to a series of deadly floods.

Triggered by a rare cyclone in November, the deluge killed more than 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands across the island of Sumatra. In Aceh, the worst-hit province which accounted for nearly half of the deaths, many still do not have ready access to clean water, food, electricity and medical supplies.

In a sign of just how frustrating managing the crisis has become, the governor of North Aceh broke down publicly earlier this month.

Does the central government not know [what we're experiencing]? I don't understand, a tearful Ismail A Jalil said in front of cameras.

But President Prabowo Subianto has refused foreign aid, insisting the situation is under control.

Indonesia is capable of overcoming this disaster, he told his cabinet last week. Prabowo has also ignored calls to declare it a national disaster, which would unlock emergency funds and streamline relief efforts.

Prabowo's administration has increasingly been criticized as reactive, disorganized and out of touch. With the country's infrastructure severely damaged, survivors are left grappling with hunger and fear amidst further governmental neglect.

Protests in Aceh are escalating, with dozens rallying for international support and waving white flags, which have come to symbolize their calls for solidarity and assistance.

The residents now face memories of past disasters and express that current relief efforts are insufficient compared to previous responses, particularly after the 2004 tsunami.

As communities struggle in the aftermath of the floods, the government's refusal to accept international aid continues to draw ire from many within the country.