Ifan Ahmad, Makassar, S – Sulawesi. The Indonesian government has rejected foreign assistance for the devastating floods and landslides that have struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, emphasizing that the country has the capacity to manage disaster response independently.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin clarified that aid reportedly sent by Malaysia and China to Aceh was personal in nature, directed to Governor Muzakir Manaf (Mualem) and not channeled through the Indonesian government.
Despite Indonesia's position, a 2-ton shipment of medical supplies from Malaysia, delivered by Gomez Medical Services in partnership with Blue Sky Rescue Malaysia, arrived in Aceh on Nov. 29. This marked the first international medical aid following the cyclone-induced disaster.
Governor Muzakir Manaf, also known as Mualem, confirmed that a five-member team from China assisting in the search for flood victims' bodies was acting independently, not representing the Chinese government.
"The assistance from China was not foreign aid. It was personal support for Mualem to help locate the bodies of victims," Sjafrie said on Tuesday during a public lecture at Hasanuddin University in Makassar, South Sulawesi.
Many foreign leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, have expressed condolences for the disaster that has killed hundreds of people. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also offered to be first in line to provide assistance if Indonesia decides to accept foreign aid.
Sjafrie emphasized that disaster response in the three provinces is being managed entirely by the central government. With support from the army, navy, and air force, as well as sufficient logistics and medical personnel, the government said emergency operations are proceeding effectively.
"Disaster management in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh is being handled independently. We have the capability to do this with the resources available," Sjafrie said, adding that operations are under the direct supervision of President Prabowo Subianto. He added that all urgent needs have been met without external assistance.
Sjafrie highlighted that aid distribution via land, sea, and air routes is running smoothly and medical supplies are adequate. "This disaster can be managed by our nation. Our medical personnel, including those from Hasanuddin University, are fully mobilized. Everything is coordinated under a single disaster response system," he said.
He compared the current response with the 2004 tsunami, when Indonesia had to request international aid due to limited preparedness. "Back then, we faced difficulties because we lacked self-sufficiency. Now, we are capable of handling disasters in North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra independently," he added.
Foreign Minister Sugiono echoed the stance, saying that while Indonesia appreciates international support, the government prefers to rely on its own resources. "We have thanked [other countries] for their compassion, but we believe we can take care of the Sumatra floods on our own. They have told us to reach out if we need anything," Sugiono said last week, adding that foreign aid would only be accepted if deemed necessary.
The floods and landslides have claimed nearly 1,000 lives, with 293 people still missing, according to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB). At least 5,000 others were injured, ranging from minor wounds to serious trauma caused by mudflows, collapsed structures, and debris, while rescue teams continue searching for survivors.