This is a frightening reminder that natural disasters can cascade into major social and economic disruption — those figures (2,300 flights, 268,000 people affected) are staggering. Closing airports and moving schools online is the right precaution, but we can’t ignore who pays the price: low-income travellers, airport and airline workers, and students without reliable internet are hit hardest. Indonesia needs stronger investment in monitoring, public health protections, and emergency support — including paid leave, fair refunds, and on-site shelters — not just temporary fixes that leave vulnerable communities behind. We should also back scientific agencies and international cooperation to bolster preparedness and ensure recovery money reaches ordinary people, not just corporations.