15 Firefighting Personnel Honored Posthumously, Government Ensures Future Support for Families

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Sugiono stated that the government will support the families of 15 volunteers and officials who died while combating forest and land fires (karhutla) and other disasters.

Sugiono emphasized that the government's attention does not end with the awarding of honors but continues with guarantees for the future of the families of the deceased volunteers and officials.

The deceased received the Bintang Tanda Jasa Pratama from President Prabowo Subianto at the Bogor Palace, West Java, on Friday (November 13, 2026).

“The President indicated that the state will take full responsibility for the future of the heirs and families left behind,” Sugiono said in a press release from the Presidential Secretariat on Friday night.

Sugiono conveyed that this awarding ceremony represents the state’s respect for the volunteers and officials who have demonstrated bravery, dedication, and sacrifice in protecting the community and the environment.

“They have given their best in addressing this significant disaster, showing commitment and hard work to protect affected residents and our forests,” he added.

President Prabowo has instructed that the children of the deceased workers receive educational support up to the highest levels.

“He also directed us, as the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, to pay attention to scholarships for all the children of those who perished. Scholarships will be provided to them in the best schools up to the highest level according to their capabilities,” Sugiono said.

In addition to scholarships, the government will also provide compensation to the families.

Sugiono described this policy as a tangible manifestation of the government's concern for those who have worked with exceptional bravery, dedication, and sincerity in facing disasters.

Sugiono believes that the dedication of the fallen volunteers and officials should serve as a model.

“Amidst the noise of people talking about disasters and accusations flying around, these individuals selflessly dedicated themselves to actively assisting in firefighting and even sacrificed their lives for this cause,” he explained.

“Simply talking will not resolve the issue; concrete actions and steps are required to address the problems,” Sugiono added.