The five Indonesians were identified as Ahmad Jaelani, Ferdy Jaya Kusuma, and Nur Fajli Agustian, all 25; Annan Dwi Bintoro, 26; and Ariyo Santali, 22. They were participating in an internship program at Daihatsu Motor Factory, also in Shiga.
Their internship supervisor, Hairul Anam, informed that the incident occurred on October 14, 2024, when the five went to the Yasu River bank to relax and fish.
Their activities were interrupted by a scream, followed by the sound of water splashing. Upon inspecting the river, they found that a woman in her 60s had fallen into the river near the city's Omifuji bridge.
The five youngsters rescued the woman and brought her to safety. Anam said that their action was lauded by locals and became a viral phenomenon there.
He said he is proud of his five interns who have begun contributing to their local community despite arriving in Japan only in August.
He also highlighted their keen wish to help others despite language and cultural barriers, a challenge usually faced by those settling in Japan.
"I did not expect their action to go viral and make proud to our nation's name. I commend their action and expect it can improve the image of Indonesians in Japan among the locals," the supervisor said.
For their heroic action, they were awarded by Yasu city police on November 1, 2024, and are expected to receive other awards from the local fire department and Daihatsu Motor Corp.
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Translator: Juwita Trisna R, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Arie Novarina
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
