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.

Here are the 15 recipients of the Bintang Tanda Jasa Pratama

• The late Ahmadin, recognized for exceptional service in handling forest and land fires in Waringin Barat Regency, Central Kalimantan.

• Lieutenant Colonel (Posthumously) Dudi Firmansyah, honored for outstanding service as the captain of the MI-17V5 helicopter in disaster response for forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan.

• The late Aries Sutio Luthfil Hadi, acknowledged for exceptional humanitarian duties in community fire prevention efforts and protecting forest areas in Kotawaringin Barat, Central Kalimantan.

• The late Nurdin (Amang Udin), honored for exceptional humanitarian efforts and disaster response through selfless dedication as a volunteer firefighter in Barito Kuala, South Kalimantan.

• The late Sukaris, recognized for exceptional service in protecting and preserving the environment through tireless efforts in maintaining conservation areas in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

• The late Suraji, honored for exceptional environmental preservation through service as a security officer defending the conservation areas of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

• The late Akhmad Rizani, acknowledged for extraordinary contributions to firefighting and forest and land fire management in Palangkaraya as a firefighting volunteer.

• The late Munawi, recognized for exceptional environmental preservation through service as a member of the Community Partner for Forest Protection in fighting forest and land fires.

• The late Padayya, honored for exceptional environmental conservation efforts as a member of Manggala Agni KPH Saddang II, participating in firefighting efforts in North Toraja, South Sulawesi.

• Captain (Posthumously) Nurhafiz Akbar R.H., S.H., M.H., recognized for outstanding service as the co-pilot of the MI-17V5 helicopter during forest and land fire disaster response in Central Kalimantan.

• The late Wisnu Yuda Pratama, honored for significant contributions to environmental preservation by supporting firefighting efforts in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

• The late Hendra Rony Wagiyanata, acknowledged for outstanding humanitarian and environmental preservation efforts in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

• Warrant Officer (Posthumously) Heri Prasetyo, honored for exceptional service as a crew member of the MI-17V5 helicopter in the disaster response for forest and land fires in Central Kalimantan.

• The late Sefriel Ardiansyah, recognized for outstanding contributions to environmental preservation by aiding firefighting efforts in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.

• The late Yayan Supyansuri, honored for exceptional humanitarian service and forest and land fire management as a Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) for the Super Puma H225/VH-HGM of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.