Jakarta, Dec. 19 -- Indonesia's Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian reaffirmed the government's commitment to sustaining emergency measures in disaster-hit areas, responding to reports of residents in Aceh hoisting white flags to draw attention to their plight.

"We, the government, hear and understand the criticism, input and opinions expressed by the people," Karnavian said during a press conference at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base in Jakarta on Friday.

White flags are widely recognized under international humanitarian law as a symbol of truce, often used in conflict situations to signal surrender or a desire to negotiate.

Addressing the symbolism, Karnavian said the central government has been making maximum efforts to evacuate victi...