Indonesian Floods Spark Anger and Criticism

Indonesians in Aceh province are raising white flags to call for international solidarity as they face a slow response to deadly floods that have killed over 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. President Prabowo Subianto has refused foreign aid, insisting the situation is 'under control.' The government's response has been criticized as reactive, disorganized, and out of touch, with many still lacking access to basic necessities like clean water, food, and medical supplies. The situation has brought back memories of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, and locals are frustrated with the slow response compared to the international aid received then. Critics accuse Prabowo's administration of prioritizing the 'symbolic performance of sovereignty' over crisis management and being insensitive to the victims' needs.

The Essential India newsletter discusses various news stories from Asia, including a sham poll in Myanmar that has led to a new phase of military rule, a botched response to a devastating storm in Indonesia, and an antisemitic attack in Australia that has raised questions about extremism and security. The newsletter also touches on other topics such as the border between the Koreas and the implications of a recent massacre in Sydney.

The article discusses the devastating impact of Cyclone Senyar on Sumatra, Indonesia, and the inadequate response to the disaster. The cyclone brought enormous floods, killing over 1,000 people, damaging 150,000 homes, and displacing nearly 1m people. The scale of the destruction became clear only after the waters receded in mid-December. Indonesians are infuriated by the botched response, which was impeded by nationalism that hindered the arrival of help from abroad. The article highlights the severity of the disaster and the need for a more effective response to such events.