Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers Abdul Kadir Karding said that such actions have portrayed Sugianto as a “true ambassador” of Indonesia for prioritizing humanity above everything else.
"Thank you for making Indonesia famous with your heroic actions and saving the elderly in South Korea," Karding expressed in a message to Sugianto on Tuesday (April 1).
Sugianto, a sailor in Korea, played a crucial role in saving residents affected by forest fires in the Uiseong-gun area, Gyeongbuk, on March 22.
He and the local village head moved quickly to warn residents to evacuate immediately. He even carried an elderly person with restricted mobility 300 meters to a safe place.
His heroic acts earned him recognition and commendation from both the public and local authorities in Korea.
The South Korean Ministry of Justice has even reported that it is considering awarding Sugianto a long-term residence permit (F-2) as a mark of respect for his services in saving residents from forest fires.
Acting Minister of Justice Kim Seok-woo stated that this privilege may be extended to individuals who have contributed significantly to public welfare and South Korean society, as demonstrated by Sugianto.
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Translator: Yashinta Difa
Editor: Anton Santoso
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