Aceh Flood Relief Delayed After Aid Trucks Get Stuck in Meeting About Aid Trucks
Aceh flood relief efforts stalled after emergency aid trucks were delayed by an extended meeting on emergency aid truck deployment.
BANDA ACEH — Emergency flood relief efforts in Aceh were temporarily delayed this week after multiple aid trucks failed to depart a regional logistics center, having been rerouted into a full-day coordination meeting to discuss the optimal deployment of aid trucks.
Officials confirmed that the trucks, loaded with bottled water, instant noodles, and blankets, remain parked neatly in the logistics compound while representatives from at least nine agencies deliberate on how best to move them.
“No aid trucks are missing,” said Acting Disaster Coordination Spokesperson H. M. Ridwan. “They are simply participating in the decision-making process.”
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According to officials, the meeting, originally scheduled for 90 minutes, entered its third day after participants agreed that sending trucks without first agreeing on which trucks should be sent could result in inefficiencies, redundancies, or uncoordinated assistance.
“We could have moved the trucks immediately,” said Ridwan. “But then how would we know that moving them was the right decision?”
At press time, the trucks had advanced as far as Agenda Item 4B: ‘Clarification of Which Agency Is Ultimately Responsible If Something Goes Wrong.’
“This is a very sensitive point,” said one official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We cannot risk delivering aid until responsibility has been evenly distributed.”
Meanwhile, flood-affected residents in several Aceh districts reported continuing water levels, disrupted access to clean drinking water, and confusion over when relief might arrive.
Local resident Suryadi, whose home has been submerged for four days, said he was encouraged to hear that aid trucks were “on standby.”
“At least they are close,” he said, standing knee-deep in floodwater. “If they wait long enough, maybe the water will come to them.”
Emergency officials stressed that the delay should not be interpreted as inaction, noting that extensive preparations are underway.
“We have already conducted three simulations on how the trucks would move,” said Ridwan. “In Simulation Two, one truck moved too fast, which raised concerns.”
Despite criticism on social media, authorities defended the meeting as a success, citing the production of several key outcomes, including a joint statement draft pending approval, and a tentative agreement to reconvene.
When asked whether the trucks might be released before the next meeting, officials said the idea had been raised but ultimately deferred.
“We don’t want to rush consensus,” said another participant. “Consensus is fragile.”
The next coordination meeting is scheduled for early next week, pending confirmation of venue, catering, and which agency will chair the session. Organizers confirmed that the trucks would be invited again “for continuity.”
At press time, one aid truck was reportedly seen idling near the compound exit before being waved back in by a staff member who reminded the driver that departure protocols had not yet been finalized.
“We ask the public for patience,” Ridwan said. “Relief is coming. We’re just making sure everyone agrees that it’s coming first.”
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