Indonesian Lawmaker Criticised After Downplaying Viral Citizen-Led Donations for Sumatra Disaster Relief

An Indonesian lawmaker has drawn public backlash after appearing to downplay the role of citizen-led relief efforts in disaster-hit regions of Sumatra, prompting renewed debate over government transparency and the state’s responsibility toward affected communities.

During a working meeting with Minister of Communications and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid on Monday (8 December), House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I member Endipat Wijaya rebuked individuals he said had visited disaster sites only briefly but acted “as if they had done the most work.”

“Some people come once and act as though they’ve done everything in Aceh, even though the state has been present from the beginning,” Endipat said, as quoted by detikcom. “Someone comes, sets up one post, and claims the government is absent. Meanwhile, the government has built hundreds of posts there.”

He contrasted government spending with a widely celebrated public donation drive led by content creator and activist Ferry Irwandi—popularly known as Praz Teguh—whose fundraising reached Rp10 billion within 24 hours.

“An individual donates Rp10 billion, but the state has poured trillions into Aceh,” said the Gerindra Party politician. He urged the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) to “amplify” information about the government’s work so the public “knows that the government has been doing a great job.”

Endipat also pointed to what he described as underreported successes by state bodies, including mass reforestation programmes by the Ministry of Forestry and early-response measures by police forces. He argued that poor communication allowed ministries to be “criticised unfairly.”

He called on Komdigi to be “more active and sensitive” in amplifying such achievements, saying government communication should be “as viral as social media content.”

Public pushback and defence from Ferry Irwandi

Although Endipat did not mention names, many online interpreted his remarks as a jab at Ferry Irwandi and fellow volunteers who have been actively distributing aid across Aceh, West Sumatra and North Sumatra.

Social media users flooded Ferry’s Instagram comment section after the remarks went viral.

“Bang, please talk to that DPR member who’s mocking you,” one user wrote on 14 December, shortly after Ferry posted that he was temporarily leaving the disaster zone to buy medical supplies in Jakarta.

Ferry, however, declined to escalate the dispute.

“No problem. He’s right. It’s okay, relax,” he replied.

Critics accused the lawmaker of belittling grassroots humanitarian efforts.

“An entire country comparing itself with one citizen,” wrote one Instagram user.

“Citizens donate their own money. The government uses the people’s money—tax money,” another added.

“Looks like the state feels threatened by its own citizens,” commented another.

For many, the contrast between spontaneous public generosity and official messaging reignited discussions on governance, accountability, and the principle that state-funded assistance is financed by taxpayers—not a personal contribution from government officials.

Context behind the dispute

Severe floods and landslides struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra in early December 2025. According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) on 7 December, around one million people were displaced, hundreds of thousands of homes were damaged, and 961 people were killed.

Against this backdrop, Ferry Irwandi’s rapid mobilisation of Rp10 billion in donations within 24 hours became a national symbol of citizen-led solidarity—while also fuelling ongoing debate about the government's communication, priorities, and responsiveness during crisis situations.