Indonesia's government is resisting growing pressure to declare a national disaster over devastating floods that killed hundreds of people and laid waste to parts of Sumatra island.

The country has only made the declaration three times in recent memory: for a 1992 earthquake and tsunami, the 2004 tsunami that killed tens of thousands, and during the Covid pandemic.

But there are mounting calls to use it again for the flooding and landslides that have killed at least 800 people across three provinces in Sumatra.

Those in favour argue the decision would free up resources and help coordinate the response.

But analysts said the government may fear a declaration could spook investors or suggest it was not up to the task of responding to the disaster.

"This disaster's impact on infrastructu

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