en.malanginspirasi.com – The Indonesian government has guaranteed long-term support for the families of volunteers and emergency personnel who died in the line of duty while combating forest and land fires and other disasters.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Sugiono announced the commitment on Friday (Nov. 13, 2026), following the conferment of the Bintang Jasa (Service Star) medal by President Prabowo Subianto at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java.
According to Sugiono, the posthumous awards serve as the state’s highest recognition of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice shown by responders in protecting local communities and the environment.
“They gave their very best in overcoming a disaster of significant scale, demonstrating devotion and hard work to protect affected residents and safeguard our forests,” Sugiono said.
During the ceremony, President Prabowo personally extended his condolences to the bereaved families. Sugiono emphasized that the government’s support extends beyond ceremonial honors to securing the long-term welfare of the victims’ dependents.
“The President stated that the state will assume full responsibility for the future of the heirs and families left behind,” Sugiono said.
As part of this commitment, President Prabowo instructed the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture to ensure that the children of the fallen responders receive full educational backing up to the highest academic levels according to their capabilities.
Also Read:
Malaysia Will Soon Dispatch Aircraft and Helicopters Assisting Indonesia in Tackling Forest Fires
“He gave a direct order and guidance to us to oversee scholarships for all the children of those who fell in duty. They will be granted scholarships to attend the best schools up to the highest level of education they can achieve,” Sugiono explained.
In addition to educational scholarships, the government is providing financial compensation to the families. Sugiono described the package as concrete proof of the state’s care for those who served with bravery and sincerity during emergencies.
Sugiono also highlighted the fallen responders’ actions as a model of public service amid ongoing public debate over disaster management.
“Amid the noise of people merely talking about disasters, and amid the noise of people pointing fingers at one another, they stepped up with sincere devotion, taking real action to help extinguish the forest and land fires—even giving their lives for it,” he said.
He added that their example serves as a reminder that resolving crises requires tangible action rather than rhetoric. “Talking alone will not solve problems; concrete steps must be taken to address them,” he concluded.
