Sumatra Floods: Aceh Residents Raise White Flags Amid Worsening Hunger and Shortages

Residents of Indonesia’s Aceh province have hoisted white flags across villages and highways, signaling distress and calling for urgent assistance. Three weeks after Cyclone Senyar hit Sumatra, survivors face severe food shortages, damaged infrastructure, and mounting health risks. Local authorities and residents urge the government to escalate the disaster response.

Aceh Residents Signal Distress

In the aftermath of Cyclone Senyar, which struck Sumatra around November 25, Aceh has become a focal point of the disaster’s human toll. More than 1,000 people have died across Sumatra, with Aceh recording the highest fatalities—431 confirmed dead and 32 still missing. North Sumatra reported 355 deaths with 84 missing, while West Sumatra documented 244 fatalities and 90 unaccounted for, according to Jakarta Globe.

Local communities have begun displaying white flags in front of homes, along national highways, and at emergency posts. Some local government offices have also raised flags in protest of what residents describe as delayed central government aid. The displays serve as a plea for assistance and a visible marker of communities on the brink.

Ongoing Shortages and Health Challenges

The floods have destroyed nearly 186,500 homes and left around 7,000 people injured. Survivors face acute shortages of food, water, and electricity. Health concerns are mounting, with cases of fever, typhoid, and skin diseases reported in affected areas. Residents have established community kitchens to share limited resources, but supplies are quickly depleting, leaving many hungry.

Rahmiana, a Banda Aceh resident involved in humanitarian work, told Republika on December 15, “Many residents and volunteers are putting up white flags because they can no longer endure how severe the situation has become.” Bahtiar, a resident of Alue Nimbong village, told Kompas, “The people have given up and need help. We can’t cope anymore.”

Calls for Government Action and Reconstruction

The disaster has also struck the local economy hard, with reconstruction costs across the affected areas estimated at US$3.11 billion. Survivors are urging swift damage assessments to guide relocation and rebuilding efforts. Many have lost homes, farmland, and livelihoods, creating long-term economic uncertainty.

White flags have been reported from East Aceh to Aceh Tamiang regency and along highways connecting Banda Aceh to Medan in North Sumatra. Residents hope these symbols will attract international attention and accelerate relief.

Despite foreign offers of assistance, President Prabowo Subianto stated on Monday that Indonesia can manage the emergency independently, thanking international leaders for their concern.