December 19, 2025 | 06:14 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mukhlis Takabeya, the regent of Aceh regency of Bireuen, said his government has yet to receive any assistance from foreign governments, and subsequently, none are rejected.
"No aid has been rejected," Mukhlis said when confirmed on Friday, December 19, 2025.
This came after news circulated about Medan City Government returning 30-ton rice aid from the United Arab Emirates, after reviewing the aid acceptance rules from central government. Tempo's attempt to confirm this with Medan Mayor Rico Waas has gone unanswered.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Regent of Bireuen Munawar said the foreign aid the local government received thus far originated from community organizations in Malaysia. "As far as we know, the aid came from Muslim Care and the Regional Aceh Association in Malaysia," he said.
These groups, he mentioned, have sent medicines to aid the disaster victims. "So, nothing yet from foreign governments. Not for Bireuen," he added.
The same sentiment was echoed by the Regent of East Aceh, Iskandar Usman Al-Farlaky. According to him, the region thus far has only received aid from local communities and governments. "Specifically for the East Aceh region, we have not received any foreign aid," he said.
Iskandar mentioned his government is working to address the aftermath of the flash floods that hit their region. "We are opening road access with heavy equipment and other efforts involving all stakeholders," he said.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto admitted he had been contacted by several foreign leaders to assist in disaster relief in Sumatra. Prabowo said he appreciated the offers, but assured Indonesia is still capable of handling the situation by its own.
"I received calls from many foreign leaders wanting to send aid. I said thank you for your concern. We are capable. Indonesia is able to handle this," Prabowo said in a cabinet meeting at the State Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Read: Indonesia Grants Duty-Free Status to Diaspora Donations for Disaster Victims
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