We went to help the people. What you're reading about are the officials in their government who are corrupted, dishonest, SOB's.
Aid that is flowing in via the U.S. and private aid groups are going directly to the people. There is no chance for graft and corruption in such efficient operations.
What the Indonesian officials want to do is set themselves up as the middle man, so they can funnel resources into their own personal pockets. The people are probably a hell of a lot more grateful for the private aid and don't look forward to the day when their government takes that over.
I've heard this as well from other sources. People on the ground report that even though much money is being sent none of it is reaching the people in need.
Then some ignorant atheist will ask in a haughty tone, "Why does God allow this suffering?"
As if the problem of suffering here should be laid at the feet of a non-existing God when these leaders are so obviously corrupt.