Aceh residents raise white flags to protest slow aid

JAKARTA - After almost three weeks of flooding, the people of Aceh are now flying white flags at a number of road points. Various videos of people installing and flying white flags went viral on social media.

The white flag filled the streets in the East Aceh area. White flags were also raised by residents along the national road between Banda Aceh and Medan, to Aceh Tamiang Regency.

The raising of the white flag is intended as a sign of surrender in the face of the post-flood disaster conditions, which have claimed many lives, damaged many houses, and made life difficult for local residents.

The community is considered frustrated by the condition. Moreover, it has been three weeks since the flood disaster hit the area, the assistance is still very lacking, and the availability of food is getting thinner which causes many people to starve.

"East Aceh residents raise white flags! Surrender and hope for international aid to help fight the flood disaster in Aceh," said the X account @neVeralonely, quoted on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.

English:

With the raising of the white flag, the color hopes that the government, especially the central government, will focus more attention and assistance on them. Starting from additional logistical assistance, medical personnel, heavy equipment, and other vital needs.

The action of the Acehnese people who raised the white flag drew public attention. Many other people were concerned and also criticized the government's slow response in flood control.

"The white flag that the community raised is a sign that the people affected by the disaster in South Sumatra really need help. But what can I do, there are still some stubborn and stubborn people 'Not a national disaster'," said one netizen on X.

"It's the turn of the one piece flag to fly, it's a mess, the government is panicking, now the white flag is flying, the people are starving, they don't even look at it," another one said.

"What is the controlled situation, sir? The citizens are still hungry and surrender the white flag," added another.