In recent days, restrictions on reporting on the disaster in Sumatra have been widespread and systematic. The pattern is clear and dangerous.

Esti Utami – On Thursday December 18 Greenpeace Indonesia held a creative peaceful action in front of the office of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs in Jakarta.

Putri Nurjannah Kurita, Sentani – The Papua chapter of the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) has issued an official statement voicing serious concerns about plans by the central and regional governments.

Erick Tanjung – President Prabowo Subianto's plan to plant more oil palms in Papua for energy self-sufficiency has drawn strong criticism from environmental activists.

Cut Nauval, Banda Aceh – The Civil Society Coalition held a peaceful action in front of the Aceh People's Representative Council (DPRA) offices on Tuesday December 16 urging the central government to declare the floods and landslides that hi

Rahel Narda Chaterine, Nawir Arsyad Akbar, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto has alluded to foreign parties who dislike Indonesia being a strong nation.

This was conveyed by Prabowo when he asserted that Indonesia was capable of handling the disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.

Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto's recent visit to Aceh Tamiang on December 12 was marked by an apology to the public regarding the electricity network which has yet to be restored.

Aceh – In order to accelerate dealing with victims, restoring infrastructure and opening access to international humanitarian aid in a coordinated and accountable manner, Acehnese Islamic clerics (Ulama) are asking President Prabowo Subianto to declare a national disaster in the three provinces affec

1st business person: This isn't illegal logging, I've got an official permit!!!

2nd business person: My mine excavation is legitimate, it was signed by an authorised official!!!

3rd business person: Extreme weather's to blame!!!

Naomi Lyandra, Jakarta – Three weeks after the hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, the Civil Society Coalition believes the government's response has been suboptimal because it has failed to declare a national disaster.