Prabowo's Message While Shaking Hands with Sugianto, the Indonesian Who Saved Elderly in South Korea

President Prabowo Subianto met with Sugianto, an Indonesian migrant worker (PMI) from Indramayu, West Java, who saved elderly people from a fire in South Korea. In the meeting at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Korea, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Prabowo showed a gesture of pride towards Sugianto.

According to a statement from the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul on Thursday (2 April 2026), Sugianto was honourably invited by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung while hosting Prabowo and his delegation visiting South Korea on Wednesday (1 April). Sugianto is beloved by South Korean society for saving seven elderly people from a forest fire in Yeongdeok in March 2025.

On par with the other honoured guests, Sugianto wore a full suit and stood beside the South Korean President. Flanked by Prabowo and Lee, Sugianto briefly chatted with Prabowo.

Prabowo then shook his hand, patting his back several times as a sign of pride. Before leaving Sugianto, Prabowo gave a short but meaningful message.

“Take good care of yourself, they like you here,” said Prabowo proudly.

Sugianto’s heroic act made him known and admired by people in South Korea and Indonesia. Sugianto, a fisherman, helped seven elderly people escape from the major forest fire in Yeongdeok in March 2025.

At that time, Sugianto woke up the sleeping elderly as the flames engulfed the forest and surrounding areas. He even carried them one by one to a safer area.

His action received praise for being considered a hero. His heroic deed was rewarded with many honours. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung awarded him the Order of Civil Merit for his heroic act in saving citizens earlier that year.

He also received appreciation and awards from Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower Protection for Migrant Workers (P2MI). Additionally, he was appointed as an Ambassador for Indonesian Migrant Workers.

Furthermore, 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.