"He is our humanitarian hero," he praised the Indonesian sailor, according to a statement issued in Jakarta on Tuesday.
Iskandar revealed plans to invite Sugianto or his family to the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment’s headquarters to present the award.
He described the award as a recognition from the Indonesian government for the migrant worker’s remarkable courage and compassion in a life-and-death situation.
"It is an honor for Indonesia to have Sugianto as part of our diaspora. He demonstrated exceptional willingness to help others even when his own life was at risk," he affirmed.
Indonesian Migrant Workers' Protection Minister Abdul Kadir Karding made similar remarks earlier, applauding the Indonesian national for his heroic actions via a video call.
"Thank you, Sugianto. Your actions serve as an example for all of us and inspire many with your heroism and humanitarian spirit," Karding told Suginato, as cited from a press statement released by his ministry on April 3.
Sugianto gained attention among the Indonesian and Korean public for his brave actions in assisting dozens of elderly South Korean citizens during a forest fire that endangered Gyeongjeong Village in Yeongdeok County, North Gyeongsang Province, in late March 2025.
Gyeongjeong, a fishermen's village, is mostly inhabited by senior residents, many of whom were unaware of the approaching fire. Some were even asleep during the incident.
Sugianto, along with village head Kim Pil-kyung and community leader Yoo Myeong-shin, swiftly led the villagers to safety. The Indonesian national even carried elderly residents away from the flames one by one.
For his remarkable humanitarian efforts, the South Korean government awarded Sugianto a long-term residence permit.
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Translator: Anita P, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
