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View all search resultsIndonesian migrant worker receives South Korean presidential award for heroic act
Wearing a mask, Sugianto began going door to door, knocking on residents’ homes. He guided them slowly to the evacuation site and carried those who were unable to walk.
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Indonesian migrant worker Sugianto stands next to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on Dec. 2, 2025, during an award ceremony at the Blue House in Seoul. Sugianto received a presidential honor for his bravery in rescuing elderly residents during a massive forest fire in South Korea in March 2025. (Courtesy of /Kompas.com)
A
n Indonesian fisherman working in South Korea, Sugianto, has been awarded a presidential honor by President Lee Jae-myung for his bravery in rescuing elderly residents during a massive forest fire in the country.
The 31-year-old said the award was presented during a New Year’s celebration at the Blue House in Seoul on Friday, making him the first and only Indonesian national to receive such recognition from the South Korean head of state.
“It felt like a dream. I was the only Indonesian among the recipients, who were all South Koreans,” Sugianto said on Sunday, as quoted by Kompas.com.
Sugianto, who has worked in South Korea for eight years, said he never imagined he would meet President Lee, let alone be honored by him.
“I was truly surprised, because even South Koreans say it is very difficult to meet the president,” he added.
Sugianto said he hopes the award will inspire Indonesian migrant workers around the world to continue helping others, regardless of nationality.
“We need to show that Indonesians are friendly and always willing to help others,” he said.
