Malaysia-Based Acehnese Aid Stuck as Indonesia Yet to Declare National Disaster Status

A 500-ton shipment of humanitarian aid prepared by the Acehnese community in Malaysia remains stranded at Port Klang, after Indonesian authorities have yet to declare the flooding and landslides in Aceh and Sumatra a National Disaster.

The aid — consisting of logistics and essential supplies — was scheduled to depart on a privately chartered vessel bound for Krueng Geukeuh, Aceh. But shipping cannot proceed without formal approval from Jakarta, the Persatuan Masyarakat Aceh di Malaysia (PERMEBAM) said following a meeting with representatives of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

PERMEBAM President Datuk Mansyur Usman, accompanied by community figures Azhar and Billy, met with Indonesia’s Deputy Ambassador Danang Waskito and Embassy official Taufik earlier this week.

“Several internal factors between the two countries have become obstacles. The main issue is that Aceh has not been designated as a National Disaster Zone. Without this status, foreign aid shipments cannot receive direct clearance into Indonesia,” Datuk Mansyur said in a press statement on Sunday (7 December 2025), as quoted by Dialeksis.

Calls for accelerated approval

Despite the delays, PERMEBAM and embassy officials expressed hope that logistical clearance could still be granted.

“We can wait, and there is still hope that President Prabowo will provide ease and clarity when he meets the Governor of Aceh,” Datuk Mansyur said.

To expedite the process, PERMEBAM said it has sent a formal letter to President Prabowo Subianto requesting special facilitation for Malaysia-based Acehnese residents, businesses, donors, and NGOs seeking to assist flood-affected communities.

The organisation urged the public to remain patient while authorities consider upgrading the disaster status, a move they believe would significantly simplify the entry of international aid into Aceh.

“We thank the public for their prayers, understanding, and support,” Mansyur added.

Growing frustration over lack of National Disaster declaration

The delay has triggered disappointment among Acehnese diaspora groups and humanitarian networks who argue that the scale of destruction warrants immediate national-level intervention.

Critics say the Indonesian government risks slowing down urgently needed relief efforts at a time when local communities are struggling with devastation across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

Scale of destruction according to BNPB

New data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), updated on 10 December 2025, highlights the severity of the disaster:

964 people have died
262 people are missing
526,000 people affected, with 157,900 homes damaged
52 districts/cities impacted

Public facilities damaged:

1,200+ public buildings
215 healthcare facilities
584 schools
423 houses of worship
287 government offices
498 bridges

Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Timur, and Langkat in North Sumatra are among the hardest-hit regions, recording the highest numbers of displaced residents.

Humanitarian groups say these figures reflect a disaster well beyond local capacity, strengthening the argument for a National Disaster status that would permit easier international assistance — including the 500 tonnes of supplies now waiting in Port Klang.