The death toll from the floods in Sumatra, Indonesia has reached 1,030, with another 205 people missing. The pace of local disaster relief remains slow, and the public is urging the government to accept foreign aid to improve efficiency.
AFP reports that despite efforts by the Indonesian government, the slow rescue operation has left the public increasingly frustrated. They are calling on Jakarta to declare a national disaster and allow international aid into the disaster area.
On the 16th, student groups and civil society gathered outside the parliamentary building in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province, demanding that the government take more rapid action and mobilize more national resources for relief efforts.
Organizers said the government has consistently refused to declare a national state of disaster, but given the severity of the situation, it is urgently needed now.
One of the protesters’ banners read that formally declaring a disaster state is "non-negotiable."
President Prabowo on the 15th insisted that Jakarta has sufficient capacity to respond, arguing that only part of Indonesia has been affected.
"We have already mobilized (resources). This is just 3 out of 38 provinces. All situations are under control."
Prabowo announced plans to establish a task force to oversee post-disaster reconstruction, while confirming that he has rejected offers of foreign aid.
Suriya, founder of the NGO food aid group “Queen of Aceh Foundation,” called on Jakarta to "set aside pride and accept foreign aid."
He told AFP: "The issue now is no longer about showing off who can help people, but about how we can cooperate with other countries to help those affected by the floods."
The Aceh provincial government said they have sought assistance from several UN agencies.
The UNICEF office in Indonesia issued a statement on Monday saying that they have received the request and are identifying priority needs to strengthen government-led relief efforts.
Oliveira, the UNDP representative in Indonesia, said the agency is assessing the provision of early assistance to the government and affected communities based on its responsibilities.