Prabowo Declines Foreign Aid for Flood Relief, Emphasizes National Capability

Refusal of International Assistance

During the Sidang Kabinet held at Istana Kepresidenan on December 15, 2025, President Prabowo Subianto revealed that he had received numerous calls from foreign leaders offering assistance for the recent flood evacuation efforts in Sumatra. However, he decided to decline these offers, stating confidently that Indonesia was capable of managing the disaster's impact without external help.

Emphasis on National Self-Sufficiency

Prabowo's statement, "Saya ditelepon banyak pimpinan kepala negara ingin kirim bantuan, saya bilang terima kasih, konsen Anda, kami mampu. Indonesia mampu mengatasi ini," translates to a strong message of national pride and self-reliance. This decision reflects the current administration's stance on maintaining Indonesia's independence in handling domestic crises.

Context of Recent Floods

The recent floods in Sumatra have caused significant disruption, prompting a national response led by the Indonesian government. While foreign assistance was offered by multiple countries, Prabowo's decision to refuse such aid underscores the government's confidence in its ability to manage the situation.

Implications of the Decision

This decision may have various implications, both domestically and internationally. Domestically, it may boost national pride and confidence in the government's capabilities. Internationally, it might be seen as a statement of Indonesia's growing self-sufficiency and capability in disaster management.