Indonesian migrant worker earns rare presidential honor after saving elderly villagers
One act of courage in the face of disaster has turned an ordinary migrant worker into a symbol of humanity, resilience, and cross-border solidarity.
A Rare Presidential Recognition
An Indonesian fisherman working in South Korea has received one of the country’s highest civilian recognitions after risking his life to save elderly residents during a devastating wildfire. Sugianto, 31, was awarded a presidential honor by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung during a New Year’s celebration at the Blue House in Seoul. According to Kompas.com, he is the first and only Indonesian national to receive such recognition directly from a South Korean head of state.
From Migrant Worker to National Hero
Sugianto, who has worked in South Korea for eight years, said the moment felt surreal. He told local media that even South Koreans consider it extremely difficult to meet the president, making the honor even more meaningful. Surrounded by South Korean recipients, Sugianto stood as the sole foreign national, representing Indonesia on a rare global stage of recognition.
Wildfires That Paralyzed South Korea
Between March 21 and May 15, 2025, South Korea faced one of its worst wildfire outbreaks in recent history. More than 20 fires burned simultaneously across multiple regions, killing 32 people including firefighters and a government official, and forcing over 37,000 residents to evacuate. Gyeongjeong village in North Gyeongsang Province, where Sugianto lives and works, was among the threatened areas, according to BBC reporting.
Saving the Most Vulnerable
As thick haze blanketed the coastal village, local authorities issued an emergency evacuation order on March 25. When Sugianto reached the designated evacuation point, he realized many elderly residents had not arrived. Wearing a mask, he went door to door, guiding residents to safety and physically carrying those unable to walk. That night, he successfully rescued seven elderly villagers.
Impact Beyond One Village
Thanks to Sugianto’s actions, no lives were lost in Gyeongjeong village, although several homes were destroyed. His bravery has since drawn widespread attention in South Korea, resulting in multiple job offers and interest from filmmakers hoping to adapt his story. Despite the attention, Sugianto chose to remain in his current fishing job, citing a strong bond with the village community he now considers family.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Beyond the presidential honor, the South Korean government is reviewing the possibility of granting Sugianto an F-2 long-term residency visa for skilled foreigners. The move would formally acknowledge his contribution to public safety and community welfare. Still, Sugianto remains grounded, sharing that his priority is his wife and five-year-old son in Indramayu, West Java, and that he plans to return to Indonesia within the next three years.
Sugianto’s story highlights how individual courage can transcend nationality and borders, strengthening people-to-people ties between Indonesia and South Korea. His actions not only saved lives but also reshaped perceptions of migrant workers, proving that compassion and bravery can leave a lasting impact on both societies.
Sources: Asia News Network (2026) , The Jakarta Post (2026)
Keywords: Indonesian Fisherman, South Korea Wildfire, Presidential Honor, Migrant Worker Hero, Forest Fire Rescue
