Severe flooding in parts of Sumatra has prompted an outpouring of support from Indonesians living abroad.
Across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and North America, Indonesian diaspora communities have mobilized donations in the form of money, food, medicine, clothing, and emergency supplies.
However, alongside this solidarity, a growing concern has emerged. Members of the Indonesian diaspora have publicly stated that some of the aid they send for flood victims is being taxed by Indonesian authorities, sparking frustration and debate.
Diaspora-Led Relief Efforts
Indonesian communities overseas often respond quickly to disasters at home. Using community organizations, mosques, churches, student associations, and online fundraising platforms, diaspora members collect aid and coordinate shipments to affected regions.
In the case of the Sumatra floods, many donors say their motivation is deeply personal, as family members and hometowns are directly impacted. These efforts are usually organized independently of governments, relying instead on trust networks and volunteer logistics.
Aid Being Taxed
According to statements shared on social media, community forums, and media such as Tempo, some diaspora groups claim that their aid shipments were subject to taxes, customs duties, or administrative fees upon arrival in Indonesia.
They report that items labeled as humanitarian donations were allegedly treated as regular imports, requiring payment before release.
For donors who expected their contributions to go directly to flood victims, these charges came as a shock and were perceived as an obstacle to emergency relief.
Emotional and Financial Impact
For many diaspora members, learning that aid may be taxed has been emotionally distressing. Donors often sacrifice time and income to contribute, believing their assistance will reach victims without barriers.
Some say the additional costs forced them to reduce the quantity of aid they could send, while others claim shipments were delayed at ports or airports due to unresolved fees.
These experiences have led to feelings of disappointment and distrust, particularly among those who have supported disaster relief efforts for years.
Indonesia’s Complicated Bureaucracy
Indonesia has established customs and taxation regulations that govern imported goods, including humanitarian aid.
In principle, disaster relief items may qualify for exemptions, but these often require specific documentation, coordination with approved agencies, or prior government authorization.
Critics argue that these procedures are complex and difficult for diaspora groups to navigate, especially during emergencies. Supporters of the regulations, however, say they exist to prevent misuse, ensure safety standards, and maintain oversight of goods entering the country.
Lack of Clarity
One of the most common complaints from diaspora donors is the lack of clear guidance. Many say they were unaware of the procedures required to secure tax exemptions for humanitarian aid. Others report receiving inconsistent information from different offices or officials.
This confusion has fueled perceptions that the system is unfriendly to grassroots aid efforts, even if the regulations themselves are not intended to block assistance.
Public Outrage
The issue has gained attention online, where diaspora members have shared personal stories and documentation of their experiences. These posts have sparked debate among Indonesians at home and abroad.
Some citizens express sympathy and call for reforms to make aid delivery easier. Others caution against drawing conclusions without full information, noting that regulations may be misapplied at local levels rather than reflecting national policy.
Call of Transparency and Reform
In response to these concerns, diaspora groups are calling for clearer policies, faster processing, and better coordination between government agencies and overseas communities.
Suggestions include simplified exemption procedures, dedicated disaster-relief channels at customs, and official outreach to diaspora organizations.
Advocates argue that improving these systems would not only speed up aid delivery but also strengthen trust between the government and Indonesians abroad.
