President Prabowo Proud to Have a "Hero" from Indonesia in Korea, Save the Elderly from Fire

Seoul, South Korea - President Prabowo Subianto looks proud of Sugianto, an Indonesian migrant worker (PMI) from Indramayu, West Java.

The pride was reflected when meeting Sugianto at a state luncheon at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Korea, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Wednesday, April 1.

Sugianto was honorably invited by the President of South Korea Lee Jae Myung when he hosted President Prabowo and the delegation who visited South Korea. Sugianto is loved by the South Korean people for successfully saving seven elderly people from a forest fire in Yeongdeok, South Korea, in March 2025.

Equivalent to the distinguished guests, Sugianto wore a complete suit and stood next to the South Korean President. Flanked by Prabowo and Lee, Sugianto briefly spoke with President Prabowo.

President Prabowo then hugged him and patted his back several times as a sign of pride. Before leaving Sugi, President Prabowo gave a short but meaningful message. Sugianto's heroic act made him known and admired by South Korean and Indonesian citizens.

Sugianto, who is a fisherman, helped seven elderly people to save themselves from a major fire in the Yeongdeok forest in March 2025. At that time, Sugianto woke up the elderly who were sleeping when the red hero devoured the forest and the surrounding area. He even carried them one by one to a safer area.

This action has been highlighted as a hero. Many South Korean media have made his name as a national news headline. His heroic act was rewarded with many awards. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung awarded The Order of Civil Merit for his heroic act to save residents, early last year.

He also received appreciation and awards from the Ministry of Protection of Migrant Workers (P2MI) RI. He was also appointed as the Indonesian Migrant Worker Ambassador.

In addition, Sugianto also received an F-2 type visa from the South Korean Ministry of Justice. The F-2 visa allows its holder to be able to stay in South Korea for up to five years.