10/12/2025
Although Malaysia is considered as โrivalโ or โenemyโ by many Indonesians, but Malaysia is the first foreign country to send official international aid to Indonesia after catastrophic floods hit Sumatera.
Not only are Malaysian private organisations stepping up, but the Malaysian government โ via its diplomatic and humanitarian mechanisms โ has also responded swiftly to help flood victims in Indonesia.
In late November 2025, when catastrophic floods and landslides struck the provinces of Aceh (and other parts of Sumatra such as North Sumatra and West Sumatra), Malaysia became the first foreign country to send official international aid.
A Malaysian cargo plane delivered around 2 tons of medicines and medical supplies, along with essential equipment; at the same time, a team of Malaysian doctors and rescue staff was deployed to support overwhelmed health centres and evacuation camps. ๏ฟผ
That gesture โ medical aid, emergency relief supplies, and personnel โ came as thousands of Indonesians were displaced, many injured, and access to roads, food, clean water and fuel became critical. ๏ฟผ
In doing this, Malaysia has once again shown that kindness transcends rivalry. Despite a history where some Indonesian netizens view Malaysia as a competitor or โrival,โ when Indonesia found itself in desperate need, Malaysia didnโt hesitate to extend a helping hand.
That solidarity โ government to government, and people to people โ speaks volumes about shared humanity and regional neighbourliness.
For many Indonesians and Malaysians alike, this is more than just emergency aid: itโs a demonstration that neighbouring countries can rise above politics and old prejudices, standing together in times of crisis.
Given the enormity of the disaster โ with hundreds of deaths, many missing, and severe shortages of essentials in flood-affected areas โ such gestures of solidarity help restore hope, show compassion, and highlight how cooperative regional action can save lives. ๏ฟผ