T

hey are three ordinary Indonesians who do what could be perceived as lower-grade jobs in Jakarta. One is Poniyem, a female domestic helper, and the two others are Utjin Bin Amsir, a gardener, and Nur Hamid, a security guard. Most of us often ignore and pay little attention to the services of these people. But the Argentinean government does not.

The three experienced a moment of pride in their lives when they received an honorary medal and a certificate from Argentinean President Cristina E. Fernandez last Sunday for their dedication to their jobs.

In a special ceremony in Jakarta, on behalf of President Cristina, Argentinean Ambassador to Indonesia Javier A. Sanz de Urquiza presented the “Orden de Mayo” medal and a certificate to them.

The three Indonesians have been working as employees of the Argentinean Embassy for more than 25 years.

“This is an effort by our government to recognize the services of these three local employees. They served the Argentinean government for more than 25 years. That’s why we are decorating them with the Caballero title and the ‘Orden de Mayo’ medal today,” Ambassador Urquiza said in his speech at the ceremony.

Poniyem joined the Argentinean Embassy 30 years ago to work as a domestic helper at the residence of the Argentinean Ambassador. Though she never studied in any school she can now speak Spanish.

“Today, I am glad to receive this honor. The Argentinean Embassy treats its employees well. We have medical facilities and pension benefits. I personally thank the Ambassador for all this,” Poniyem told The Jakarta Post while wiping away her tears.

Utjin has also been working as a gardener at the Ambassador’s residence for more than 30 years.

“We never expected to receive this kind of honor. It was the Ambassador who recommended our names to the government to receive this medal,” Utjin said while accepting the medal. His whole body was shaking while speaking.

Nur, 45, had spent most of his youth guarding the Ambassador’s residence. He has been working as a security guard for more than 25 years. “I quit my job recently due to personal reasons but my son Yanto replaced me. We three are very proud to work for the embassy,” Nur said.