After devastating floods and landslides, exacerbated by recent deforestation, the Catholic Church in Indonesia is launching an emergency relief effort on Sumatra, particularly affecting Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Cyclone Senyar caused significant destruction, leaving more than 3.3 million people impacted, with 1 million displaced and over 1,000 reported deaths.
Caritas Indonesia is spearheading humanitarian assistance, focusing on food, shelter, clean water, and health care, especially for vulnerable groups. Infrastructure damage has hindered relief efforts, necessitating reliance on local parishes and volunteers for immediate support.
Caritas has already provided vital aid to thousands, while other organizations, like the Jesuit Refugee Service, are also responding due to the scale of the disaster. They have distributed essential supplies and emphasized the need for accountability for environmental issues, as deforestation linked to industrial activities has worsened the flooding’s impact.
Church leaders and activists have been protesting against the pulp company PT Toba Pulp Lestari, attributing the flooding to its operations and calling for a change in environmental stewardship in Indonesia. They argue that caring for creation is intertwined with human welfare and warn that ongoing ecological destruction could have long-lasting effects.
