TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed pride in Sugianto, an Indonesian migrant worker from Indramayu, West Java, who rescued seven elderly residents from a wildfire in Yeongdeok, South Korea, in March 2025.
According to an official statement from Indonesia’s Government Communications Office on Thursday, as quoted by Antara, Prabowo’s admiration was evident when he met Sugianto during a state luncheon at South Korea’s presidential palace, Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House), on Wednesday, April 1.
Sugianto was invited as a guest of honor by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who hosted Prabowo and the Indonesian delegation during the state visit.
Treated on par with other distinguished guests, Sugianto attended the luncheon in a formal suit and stood beside President Lee. Positioned between Prabowo and Lee, he briefly spoke with the Indonesian president.
Prabowo then shook Sugianto’s hand and patted him on the back several times in a gesture of appreciation. Before moving on, Prabowo delivered a brief but meaningful message.
“Take care of yourself, okay? They really like you,” Prabowo told him.
Sugianto gained admiration in both South Korea and Indonesia after his heroic actions during the massive Yeongdeok wildfire in March 2025. A fisherman by trade, he helped seven elderly residents escape the blaze after waking them while they were asleep as the fire spread through the forest and nearby areas.
He reportedly carried the elderly residents to safety one by one, earning widespread praise and being hailed as a hero. His story drew national attention in South Korea, where several major media outlets featured him prominently.
For his bravery, Sugianto has received multiple honors. Earlier last year, President Lee awarded him The Order of Civil Merit for saving local residents.
He was also recognized by Indonesia’s Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) and was later appointed as an Ambassador for Indonesian Migrant Workers.
In addition, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice granted Sugianto an F-2 visa, which allows him to stay in the country for up to five years.
Read: Meeting Prabowo, Lee Jae Myung Raises Indonesia's LNG Supply
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