Frustration Builds as Residents Fly White Flags Amid Slow Disaster Aid

For weeks, desperate and upset residents in the nation's westernmost region have been displaying white flags in protest of the state's sluggish aid efforts to a wave of fatal deluges.

Caused by a unusual cyclone in November, the deluge resulted in the death of over 1,000 individuals and made homeless hundreds of thousands across the island of Sumatra island. In Aceh, the worst-hit province which was responsible for about 50% of the fatalities, a great number yet are without easy access to clean water, supplies, electricity and medical supplies.

An Official's Visible Breakdown

In a demonstration of just how challenging coping with the disaster has grown to be, the head of North Aceh broke down publicly recently.

"Does the national government ignore [our plight]? It's incomprehensible," a tearful Ismail A Jalil declared in front of cameras.

But Leader the President has rejected external assistance, insisting the circumstances is "manageable." "Indonesia is able of handling this crisis," he advised his government last week. The President has also thus far ignored demands to designate it a national disaster, which would free up disaster relief money and expedite relief efforts.

Growing Scrutiny of the Government

The current government has increasingly been viewed as reactive, inefficient and out of touch – descriptions that certain observers say have become synonymous with his time in office, which he was elected to in last February based on people-focused commitments.

Already this year, his signature multi-billion dollar free school meals scheme has been embroiled in scandal over mass foodborne illnesses. In the latter part of the year, many thousands of citizens protested over joblessness and increasing living expenses, in what were some of the biggest demonstrations the nation has witnessed in decades.

Presently, his government's reaction to the floods has proven to be a further problem for the president, although his popularity have stayed high at approximately 78%.

Heartfelt Appeals for Aid

Recently, a group of protesters rallied in the provincial capital, the city, displaying white flags and calling for that the central government allows the way to international aid.

Among within the crowd was a young child holding a sheet of paper, which read: "I'm only very young, I wish to mature in a safe and stable environment."

Though usually seen as a emblem for capitulation, the pale banners that have appeared all over the province – atop damaged rooftops, next to eroded riverbanks and outside mosques – are a plea for global support, protesters argue.

"The flags are not a sign of we are surrendering. They are a SOS to grab the focus of friends abroad, to let them know the circumstances in Aceh today are very bad," said one participant.

Complete villages have been eradicated, while extensive destruction to transport links and infrastructure has also isolated numerous people. Those affected have reported sickness and hunger.

"How long more do we have to cleanse in dirt and the deluge," cried one demonstrator.

Regional leaders have contacted the United Nations for assistance, with the Aceh governor announcing he welcomes aid "from anyone, anywhere".

The government has said aid operations are ongoing on a "countrywide basis", stating that it has disbursed about billions (billions of dollars) for recovery projects.

Disaster Strikes Again

For many in Aceh, the circumstances brings back painful recollections of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, arguably the worst calamities ever.

A massive ocean earthquake caused a tsunami that created waves as high as 100 feet high which hit the Indian Ocean coastline that day, claiming an approximate two hundred thirty thousand lives in over a number of countries.

The province, previously devastated by decades of strife, was one of the most severely affected. Locals state they had barely completed reconstructing their homes when tragedy returned in November.

Relief was delivered more quickly after the 2004 tsunami, even though it was considerably more destructive, they say.

Many countries, global bodies like the World Bank, and NGOs poured billions of dollars into the recovery effort. The national authorities then created a special agency to oversee funds and reconstruction work.

"The international community responded and the region bounced back {quickly|