For weeks now, angry and distressed residents in Indonesia's westernmost province have been raising white flags over the state's slow response to a series of deadly floods.
Triggered by a rare cyclone in November, the deluge killed more than 1,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands across the island of Sumatra. In Aceh, the worst-hit province which accounted for nearly half of the deaths, many still do not have ready access to clean water, food, electricity and medical supplies.
In a sign of just how frustrating managing the crisis has become, the governor of North Aceh broke down publicly earlier this month.
Does the central government not know [what we're experiencing]? I don't understand, a tearful Ismail A Jalil said in front of cameras.
But President Prabowo Subianto has refused foreign aid, insisting the situation is under control.
Indonesia is capable of overcoming this disaster, he told his cabinet last week. Prabowo has also ignored calls to declare it a national disaster, which would unlock emergency funds and streamline relief efforts.
Prabowo's administration has increasingly been criticised as reactive, disorganised and out of touch, while protests demand urgent action.
Last Thursday, dozens of protesters rallied in Aceh's capital, Banda Aceh, waving white flags and demanding that the central government opens the door to foreign aid. The white flags, typically a symbol of surrender, are being used by residents as a distress signal for international solidarity.
Entire villages have been wiped out, and survivors are facing sickness and starvation after the floods, echoing painful memories of past disasters like the 2004 tsunami. Many residents express their desperation and urge the government to allow international assistance amid a worsening situation.
