Desperation Builds as Citizens Hoist White Flags Due to Delayed Flood Relief

In recent times, desperate and upset inhabitants in Indonesia's westernmost province have been raising flags of surrender in protest of the state's sluggish aid efforts to a succession of fatal floods.

Precipitated by a unusual storm in last November, the catastrophe killed over 1,000 individuals and made homeless hundreds of thousands more across the region of Sumatra. In Aceh, the worst-hit region which represented about half of the casualties, a great number yet are without easy access to potable water, food, power and medicine.

A Leader's Emotional Breakdown

In a indication of just how frustrating handling the crisis has grown to be, the head of a region in Aceh became emotional in public in early December.

"Can the central government ignore [our plight]? It's incomprehensible," a emotional the governor said publicly.

However Leader Prabowo Subianto has rejected external help, insisting the state of affairs is "being handled." "The nation is capable of overcoming this disaster," he advised his cabinet recently. The President has also to date ignored demands to declare it a national disaster, which would unlock special funds and facilitate recovery operations.

Growing Criticism of the Government

The leadership has been increasingly criticised as unprepared, disorganised and out of touch – adjectives that certain observers say have become synonymous with his presidency, which he was elected to in last February riding a wave of people-focused pledges.

Already in his first year, his signature multi-billion dollar free school meals scheme has been mired in issues over mass contamination incidents. In August and September, thousands of citizens demonstrated over joblessness and rising costs of living, in what were among the most significant demonstrations the nation has seen in many years.

Currently, his government's response to the recent floods has proven to be a further problem for the leader, although his popularity have held steady at about 78%.

Heartfelt Pleas for Aid

Recently, dozens of activists gathered in Banda Aceh, Banda Aceh, waving pale banners and calling for that the national authorities opens the path to international aid.

Standing among the crowd was a little girl carrying a piece of paper, which read: "I am only very young, I hope to live in a secure and sustainable environment."

Though usually regarded as a sign for surrender, the pale banners that have been raised all over the region – on broken rooftops, next to washed-away banks and near mosques – are a signal for global support, protesters contend.

"These banners do not mean we are giving in. They serve as a cry for help to attract the notice of friends internationally, to let them know the circumstances in here now are extremely dire," explained one local.

Complete settlements have been eradicated, while broad destruction to roads and infrastructure has also stranded many communities. Survivors have spoken of illness and malnutrition.

"How long more should we bathe in dirt and contaminated water," cried another protester.

Regional authorities have appealed to the international body for assistance, with the Aceh governor announcing he welcomes help "from anyone, anywhere".

National authorities has claimed aid operations are under way on a "large scale", stating that it has disbursed some billions (a large amount) for recovery efforts.

Calamity Repeats Itself

For some in the province, the situation recalls difficult memories of the 2004 devastating tidal wave, among the most devastating calamities ever.

A magnitude 9.1 undersea tremor unleashed a tsunami that produced waves as high as 100 feet high which slammed into the ocean coastline that day, taking an approximate 230,000 lives in more than a number of nations.

The province, already devastated by a long-running civil war, was part of the worst-impacted. Residents say they had just finished rebuilding their homes when disaster returned in November.

Aid arrived faster following the 2004 Indian Ocean disaster, despite the fact that it was much more destructive, they say.

Many nations, global bodies like the World Bank, and charities donated vast sums into the relief operation. The national authorities then established a special agency to oversee funds and assistance programs.

"All parties acted and the region bounced back {quickly|