Indonesians sue government over deadly Sumatra flood response
A group of Indonesian citizens has filed a lawsuit against the government, arguing that the official response to a series of deadly floods in Sumatra was inadequate. The plaintiffs say early warning systems and weather-resilient infrastructure investment failed local communities.
Central allegations in the case include a failing early warning system, weak evacuation plans and slow post-flood support programmes. Plaintiffs held a press conference showing photos of relatives lost in the disaster.
Flooding in North Sumatra has displaced hundreds of families in recent months as heavy rains hit the region. Local reports say significant parts of bridge and road infrastructure were damaged, and some areas faced weeks of water shortages. The government has said its disaster management protocols were applied.
Environmental campaigners frame the lawsuit as evidence that local authorities have not done enough on deforestation in critical river basins. Calls are growing for a review of Indonesia's climate adaptation budget, although the Jakarta administration has not yet issued a detailed statement on the case. A preliminary hearing is expected in the coming weeks.
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