December 24, 2025 | 04:37 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A representative of Lembaga Wali Nanggroe of Aceh, Malik Mahmud Al-Haythar, has disclosed that he sought disaster relief assistance from foreign ambassadors stationed in Indonesia following the devastating floods and landslides that struck the region. Malik shared this during an aid distribution event for victims in Aceh Tamiang Regency on Sunday, December 21.
He emphasized that the institution has been proactive since the crisis began in late November 2025. "We did not sit idly by from the beginning; we contacted foreign ambassadors," Malik stated in a video received by Tempo on Tuesday.
In his remarks, the highest traditional leader of Aceh did not specify which foreign embassies he had contacted, though he noted that several ambassadors had expressed a willingness to help.
However, he highlighted a diplomatic hurdle: Lembaga Wali Nanggroe was unable to accept these humanitarian offers because the central government had restricted direct access to foreign aid for the region.
"In fact, they offered assistance, but we cannot accept it unless it is opened by our central government," the former Prime Minister of the Free Aceh Movement explained.
Despite these restrictions, some foreign assistance has managed to reach the province through non-governmental channels. Malik pointed to a 15-ton aid shipment delivered to Aceh Tamiang, which was mobilized by the Secretariat of the Lembaga Wali Nanggroe in collaboration with several other organizations.
He and Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf reaffirmed their commitment to mitigating the ecological disaster's effects in Indonesia's westernmost province, while urging the public to remain united and patient as they await the fulfillment of the central government’s recovery promises.
"We must be patient, and we also await the government's promise to help," he said.
The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) recorded over 1,100 fatalities across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. As of December 23, 2025, the death toll stands at 1,106 people across 52 districts and cities, with 175 individuals still reported missing. Total injuries have surpassed 7,000.
The disaster also caused massive damage to property and infrastructure. Across the three provinces, 158,088 houses were damaged, with Aceh suffering the most at 115,678 homes. To date, 1,600 public facilities have been ruined. This total includes 219 health centers, 967 schools, 434 places of worship, 290 offices, and 145 bridges.
Eka Yudha Saputra contributed to this article
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