Prabowo assures support for families of fallen disaster volunteers

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – President Prabowo Subianto extended his condolences to the families of volunteers and officers who died while assisting residents affected by forest fires and other disasters across Indonesia, affirming the government’s support for them.

“I understand how heavy the loss is. Nothing can replace the loss, but on behalf of the country and the Indonesian government, I assure you that you will not face the future alone. The country will be present for you,” he spoke before the grieving families at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Friday.

The president made the remarks during a ceremony honoring fallen volunteers, officers, and health workers with service medals and presenting compensation to their families.

Prabowo said he had specifically requested to meet the families of volunteers and officers who lost their lives while carrying out their duties during forest and land fires and other disasters across Indonesia.

He stated that the government would provide compensation to the families left behind to live safely and comfortably.

The government also provides full scholarships to ensure that the children of deceased volunteers and officers can pursue education up to the highest level of their choice and ability.

The president awarded the Bintang Jasa Pratama honorary mark to 15 volunteers and officers who died while handling forest and land fires in certain areas.

He also awarded the Nararia Service Star to eight health workers who had served and were injured while serving in disaster areas, especially in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and East Nusa Tenggara.

Within about a week, two helicopters crashed during firefighting operations. The Mi-17 V5 accident claimed the lives of three personnel, while a Super Puma helicopter crashed into the Barito River on November 8, killing one crew member.

Latest data showed the cumulative area of forest and land fires in six priority provinces reached 129,899.59 hectares as of October 12, 2026, of which 129,260.36 hectares had been extinguished.