Indonesia Pledges Full Scholarships for Fallen Rescuers’ Children
President Prabowo Subianto promised full education scholarships and financial support for families of rescuers and emergency workers killed in the line of duty.
BOGOR, Indonesia — Indonesia will provide full scholarships through the highest level of education for children of rescuers and emergency workers killed while responding to wildfires and other disasters, President Prabowo Subianto said Friday, announcing support for families left behind.
Prabowo made the pledge at a ceremony at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java, where he also promised financial assistance to bereaved families. The commitments target the long-term needs of children whose parents died while protecting communities from fires and disasters.
The president awarded the Bintang Jasa Pratama, a national service medal, to 15 volunteers and personnel who died in wildfire response. Eight health workers who were injured while serving in disaster-affected areas received the Bintang Jasa Nararia.
Education support for children
Prabowo said he had directed coordinating ministers and other cabinet members to ensure the children could attend the government’s best schools. The scholarships would continue through the highest level of education each recipient wanted and was able to pursue, he said.
Speaking to the families, Prabowo acknowledged that financial support could not undo their loss but said the state would help them face the future. “I understand how heavy the loss you feel is. Nothing can replace that loss, but on behalf of the Indonesian state and government, I want to say that you will not face the future alone. The state will stand with you,” he said.
Medals for responders and health workers
Prabowo said the injured health workers had served in disaster areas, particularly in Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra and East Nusa Tenggara. The awards were presented alongside assistance for families of the volunteers, emergency personnel and health workers.
The president offered condolences to relatives attending the ceremony, including spouses and parents of those killed, and thanked responders for their work to save residents. “This clearly cannot replace your loss, but at least you are not alone,” he told the families.
