Aceh & Sumatra Floods

Lately we have once again witnessed major floods striking several regions in Indonesia — including in Sumatra and Aceh. Disasters like these should serve as a serious reminder to all of us that nature has actually provided more than enough resources: food, water, shelter, living space. But problems arise when humans no longer take only “what is sufficient.”

The issue is not that the earth is lacking, but that humans have begun to give in to greed — taking more than they need, hoarding, exploiting, even dominating without limits. The collective spirit of “enough and simple” is then drowned beneath the ambition of “more, bigger, many, faster.”

This is a call to live simply, balanced, and mindfully. If we choose to take only what is sufficient — according to our needs — nature will remain capable of sustaining life. But if we continue to exploit without respect, continually ignoring limits and balance, then environmental destruction, social injustice, and humanitarian crises will become unavoidable consequences.

Let us reflect together: not only on how nature can sustain us, but on how we can live with respect — for nature, for fellow human beings, and for the future. The floods in Sumatra and Aceh should serve as a warning, not only about overflowing waters, but about our attitude toward nature and our daily actions.

Let us care for this earth — for ourselves, our children and grandchildren, and all living beings. With shared awareness, we can rebuild our relationship with nature — not as greedy rulers, but as responsible members of it.