Frustration Builds as Indonesians Raise White Flags Over Slow Flood Aid
Over recent weeks, desperate and upset residents in the province of Aceh have been raising white flags over the state's slow response to a wave of fatal inundations.
Caused by a rare weather system in last November, the deluge killed in excess of 1,000 persons and made homeless hundreds of thousands more across the region of Sumatra island. In Aceh province, the worst-hit area which was responsible for almost half of the casualties, a great number still are without consistent access to potable water, nourishment, power and medical supplies.
An Official's Emotional Outburst
In a sign of just how difficult managing the crisis has become, the head of North Aceh became emotional publicly recently.
"Can the national government ignore [what we're experiencing]? It baffles me," a weeping Ismail A Jalil said in front of cameras.
However Leader Prabowo Subianto has rejected foreign assistance, asserting the situation is "manageable." "Indonesia is able of overcoming this disaster," he advised his government last week. The President has also to date disregarded demands to designate it a national emergency, which would free up disaster relief money and expedite recovery operations.
Growing Criticism of the Administration
The current government has been increasingly viewed as unprepared, chaotic and out of touch – descriptions that some analysts contend have come to define his presidency, which he was elected to in last February based on populist pledges.
Already this year, his major expensive free school meals scheme has been plagued by scandal over widespread foodborne illnesses. In August and September, thousands of citizens protested over unemployment and increasing living expenses, in what were some of the most significant protests the nation has seen in many years.
Currently, his government's reaction to the deluge has emerged as yet another problem for the president, despite the fact that his poll numbers have held steady at about 78%.
Heartfelt Pleas for Assistance
Recently, scores of demonstrators assembled in Banda Aceh, Banda Aceh, holding white flags and calling for that the government in Jakarta opens the path to international help.
Among in the protesters was a small girl holding a piece of paper, which said: "I am only three years old, I wish to live in a safe and stable world."
Though normally regarded as a symbol for giving up, the white flags that have appeared all over the region – upon collapsed roofs, along eroded banks and near mosques – are a signal for global unity, demonstrators contend.
"The flags do not signify we are surrendering. They serve as a SOS to attract the focus of friends outside, to show them the situation in Aceh today are truly desperate," said one protester.
Entire communities have been wiped out, while widespread destruction to infrastructure and facilities has also stranded numerous areas. Those affected have reported illness and hunger.
"For how much longer do we have to wash ourselves in dirt and contaminated water," shouted another protester.
Local authorities have contacted the United Nations for assistance, with the local official declaring he welcomes aid "from anyone, anywhere".
National authorities has claimed recovery work are in progress on a "large scale", adding that it has released approximately billions ($3.6bn) for recovery efforts.
Disaster Returns
For some in Aceh, the plight evokes traumatic recollections of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, among the worst natural disasters ever.
A magnitude 9.1 ocean earthquake triggered a tidal wave that created waves as high as 100 feet in height which slammed into the ocean shoreline that day, killing an approximate 230,000 lives in over a number of nations.
Aceh, already devastated by decades of strife, was part of the most severely affected. Residents explain they had just finished rebuilding their communities when tragedy hit once more in November.
Aid was delivered faster following the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster, even though it was considerably more destructive, they argue.
Various countries, global bodies like the International Monetary Fund, and NGOs poured billions of dollars into the recovery effort. The national authorities then established a special agency to oversee finances and aid projects.
"Everyone acted and the community recovered {quickly|
