Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — An Indonesian fisherman, Sugianto (31), is being hailed as a hero after saving elderly residents from a devastating wildfire in a village in South Korea.
Sugianto, who has been working as a fisherman in South Korea for the past eight years, played a crucial role in evacuating residents in coastal village in Yeongdeok when a wildfire swept through the area.
The fire initially broke out in Uiseong, North Gyeonsang Province on March 22. It rapidly spread through Andong and Cheongsong, reaching the western border of Yeongdeok on March 25.
The situation was chaotic, with power and communication lines disrupted due to the wildfire. Many residents were unaware of how quickly the fire was approaching.
At the time of the fire, around 60 residents were in their homes, some already asleep. Thick smoke was visible outside, and many villagers realized the flames had reached their community.
As the flames closed in, Sugianto, alongside village chief Yoo Myung Shin, ran through the village, shouting warnings and guiding residents to safety. At 11:00 p.m., they men were knocking on doors and waking up sleeping residents, urging them to evacuate.
Sugianto carried seven elderly residents on his back, running back and forth between houses to ensure their safety. He had to run while carrying the elderly to a save area near a seawall around 300 meters (984 feet) away from the residential area. His swift actions helped save those who struggled to move on their own.
South Korean Government Recognition
The South Korean Ministry of Justice is now considering granting long-term residency status to Sugianto in recognition of his heroic actions during the March 25 wildfire.
According to CNN Indonesia, Vice Minister of Justice Kim Seok Woo has instructed officials to review the possibility of granting Sugianto an F-2 visa, which allows long-term residency.
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Under South Korea’s Immigration Control Act, the Minister of Justice can grant an F-2 visa to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country or advanced public interests.
Holders of this visa are allowed to stay for more than 90 days and are typically foreign nationals married to South Korean citizens or those who have invested over $500,000 in a business and resided in the country for more than three years.
The requirements for obtaining this visa are strict, but authorities are expected to make a decision within one to two weeks.
(Raidi/Agung)
