Outrage in Indonesia as government blocks foreign disaster aid to Sumatra

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Regional leaders in the hardest-hit areas have been forced to turn away offers of assistance from overseas.

PHOTO: AFP

MEDAN – Frustration and criticism are mounting over the Indonesian central government’s refusal to declare a national emergency

following devastating floods in Sumatra

As recovery efforts continue to overwhelm local administrations’ capacities, regional leaders in the hardest-hit areas have been placed in a difficult position, forced to turn away offers of assistance from overseas while humanitarian support remains limited for more than one million people affected by the floods.

On Dec 18, the Medan city administration in North Sumatra returned 30 tonnes of rice and 300 packages of staple foods, baby products and prayer kits from the United Arab Emirates (UAE),following “guidance” from the central government.

The aid had been handed over to Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas on Dec 13 by deputy head of mission at the UAE Embassy in Indonesia Shaima Alhebsi.

The mayor said the decision was made after consultation with the Defence Ministry and the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

“After coordinating with the central government and reviewing the prevailing regulations, we decided to return the aid, as the Indonesian government does not currently accept assistance from foreign governments,” Mr Rico Waas said on Dec 18.

The decision immediately drew criticism, with Medan Legislative Council (DPRD) Speaker Wong Chun Sen calling it “embarrassing” and warning that it could harm relations with the UAE and discourage future donations.

“The aid shouldn’t have been returned. It should have been