According to an official statement from the Government Communications Agency on Thursday, Prabowo proudly met Sugianto at a state luncheon held at South Korea’s Presidential Palace, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), on Wednesday (April 1).
He received the honor of being invited by South Korean President Lee Jae Myun to host Prabowo and the visiting delegation.
Sugianto, dressed in a full suit like the other distinguished guests, stood beside President Lee Jae Myung and shared a brief conversation with Prabowo while flanked by both leaders.
Prabowo then shook his hand and patted him on the back several times in a gesture of pride. Before leaving, Prabowo left a short but meaningful message.
"I wish you well, they like you," Prabowo said.
Sugianto's heroic actions earned him the recognition and admiration of South Koreans and Indonesians.
Sugianto, a fisherman, helped seven elderly people escape a major forest fire in Yeongdeok in March 2025. He woke them as they slept while the flames spread and carried them one by one to a safe location.
His actions drew widespread attention, earning him recognition as a hero, with many South Korean media outlets making him a national headline.
In addition, President Lee Jae Myung also presented the Order of Civil Merit award for Sugianto's bravery.
He also received appreciation and recognition from the Indonesian Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection (P2MI) where he was appointed as an Indonesian Migrant Worker Ambassador.
Furthermore, Sugianto was granted an F-2 visa from the South Korean Ministry of Justice, allowing him to live in South Korea for up to five years.
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Translator: Maria Cicilia G P, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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