Amnesty International Urges National Emergency Declaration for Sumatra Floods

Call for Swift Action on Disaster Response

Amnesty International Indonesia has strongly urged President Prabowo Subianto to declare a national emergency following the devastating floods that have hit multiple regions in Aceh and Sumatra. The organization's Executive Director, Usman Hamid, expressed surprise that the government has not yet declared a national disaster despite the significant loss of life across three provinces.

Rationale Behind the Demand

The declaration of a national disaster is considered crucial as it would enable the country to receive international aid, which has not been forthcoming due to the current status of the disaster response. Hamid questioned the government's reluctance, suggesting it might be influenced by concerns about foreign involvement.

Implications of Delayed Response

The delay in declaring a national emergency has potentially exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. With the current status, the response has been limited to domestic efforts, which may be insufficient given the scale of the disaster. International assistance could provide critical resources and expertise needed for effective disaster management.