Prabowo Proud of Sugianto, the Fire Rescuer in South Korea
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto showed a gesture of pride towards Sugianto, an Indonesian migrant worker from Indramayu, West Java, who successfully saved seven elderly people from a forest fire in Yeongdeok, South Korea, in March 2025.
Through an official statement from the Government Communication Agency in Jakarta on Thursday, Prabowo’s pride was evident when he met Sugianto during a state lunch at the Presidential Palace of South Korea, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), on Wednesday (1/4).
Sugianto was honourably invited by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung while hosting Prabowo and the visiting delegation to South Korea.
On equal footing with the distinguished guests, Sugianto wore a full suit and stood beside President Lee Jae Myung. Flanked by Prabowo and Lee, Sugianto briefly conversed with Prabowo.
Prabowo then shook his hand. He patted his back several times as a sign of pride. Before leaving Sugianto, Prabowo gave a short but meaningful message.
“Take care of yourself, they like you,” said Prabowo.
Sugianto’s heroic action made him known and admired by the people of South Korea and Indonesia. Sugianto, a fisherman, helped seven elderly people escape from a major fire in the Yeongdeok forest in March 2025.
At that time, Sugianto woke up the sleeping elders as the flames engulfed the forest and surrounding areas. He even carried them one by one to a safer area.
His action received attention because it was considered heroic. Many South Korean media outlets featured his name as a national news headline.
His heroic action was rewarded with numerous honours. President Lee Jae Myung awarded him the Order of Civil Merit for his efforts in saving citizens early last year.
He also received appreciation and recognition from Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower Protection for Migrant Workers (P2MI). He was also appointed as an Ambassador for Indonesian Migrant Workers.
In addition, Sugianto received an F-2 visa from South Korea’s Ministry of Justice. The F-2 visa allows its holder to stay in South Korea for up to five years.