Decorated: Finnish ambassador to Indonesia Kai Sauer (left) presents the Medal First Class with Golden Cross of the Order of the White Roseof Finland to Elizabeth De Lima (second left) during a ceremony at Sauer's residence in Jakarta on Friday, while Sauer's wife Erika (right) and embassy driver Agus Nurkarya (second right) look on. Elizabeth, a personal assistant, and Agus received medals for theirlong service to the embassy. (JP/Veeramalla Anjaiah)

While those who work behind the scenes in the diplomatic world are rarely recognized, Finnish ambassador to Indonesia Kai Sauer honored on Friday two Indonesians with medals for meritorious service to the Finnish government.

'Our government decided to award the Medal First Class with Golden Cross of the Order of the White Rose of Finland to Elizabeth De Lima and Agus Nurkarya for their long, dedicated and meritorious service to the Finnish government,'

Elizabeth and Agus have worked at the embassy of Finland in Jakarta for decades. They received a medal and a certificate during a special ceremony in Jakarta.

'Both winners are hardworking people and this honor is a recognition of their work,' Sauer said.

Established in 1919 by then Finnish regent and president Karl Gustaf Mannerheim, the Order of the White Rose of Finland is usually awarded for meritorious service. There are eight classes of the order, up to the Grand Cross with collar, which the incumbent president of Finland wears as a neck order. Elizabeth and Agus were awarded the seventh highest class of the honor.

When asked how she felt after receiving the medal, Elizabeth said she was happy.

'I am very glad. I have been working with the embassy for 16 years. I am grateful to Ambassador Kai Sauer for recommending my name to receive this honor. It will motivate me to work harder,' Elizabeth said.

Agus agreed.

'I am very happy. I am so lucky to work at the Finnish embassy,' Agus, who has worked at the embassy for more than 30 years, said.

The medals, no matter how prestigious, will not provide any extra financial benefits.

'There will not be any financial benefits to Elizabeth and Agus. It's a recognition of their work,' Sauer said, adding the embassy provides all kinds of benefits to its local staff.

'We are happy working at the embassy. The medical expenses for me and my family are covered by the embassy. All the local staff are entitled to pension benefits. We are not employed on a contract basis but on a permanent basis,' Elizabeth said.

While many embassies employ Indonesians on a contract basis, denying them promotions and benefits given to regular employees, the Finnish Embassy is unique. After working for a certain period of time, every local employee is sent to Finland for a one-week familiarization trip.

'If these people work for us, they should know about Finland. That's why we will send them to Finland to see themselves,' Sauer said.

Elizabeth and Agus have both made such trips.

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