The South Korean government has decided to grant long-term resident status (F-2 visa) to three Indonesian nationals for their involvement in helping evacuate elderly residents during a major forest wildfire in the country’s southeastern region.
The announcement was made on Sunday, 6 April 2025, by Lee Han-kyung, Deputy Head of the Disaster Management and Safety Centre Headquarters.
“(The government) has decided to grant resident status for special contributions to three Indonesians who helped evacuate elderly people from forest fires,” Lee Han-kyung was quoted as saying by ANTARA.
While the identities of the other two individuals have not been disclosed, one of them is known to be Sugianto, an Indonesian fisherman. The Justice Ministry had earlier stated that it was considering an F-2 visa for Sugianto in recognition of his role in helping to rescue around 60 elderly people from a forest fire in Uiseong County, North Gyeongsang Province.
Under current regulations, F-2 visas—which provide long-term residency—may be granted by the Minister of Justice to foreign nationals who are recognised for making “special contributions” to South Korea or for advancing the public interest.
Recognition from Indonesia
Sugianto will also be recognised by the Indonesian government. The Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI), Abdul Kadir Karding, stated that Sugianto would receive an award for his actions. The announcement was made during a video call between the minister and Sugianto.
“As the Minister of Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers, I am very proud and appreciate the extraordinary humanitarian actions. Insha Allah, if Mas Sugianto wishes, the Indonesian Government will give an award to his family in Indramayu,” said Minister Karding on Thursday, 3 April 2025.
He also noted that Sugianto’s actions could serve as an example to others: “What Sugianto did could be an example for all inspiring people.”
@kumparan Sugianto, pekerja asal Indonesia di Korea Selatan, menjadi sorotan setelah menyelamatkan 60 warga desa nelayan di Yeongdeok-gun dari kebakaran hutan pada 25 Maret. Bersama kepala desa Yoo Myeong-shin, Sugianto berlari dari rumah ke rumah memperingatkan warga dan menggendong lansia yang kesulitan mengungsi karena medan berbukit. Seorang lansia berusia 90-an berterima kasih karena Sugianto menggendongnya keluar dari rumah saat api sudah menjalar. Warga desa memuji keberanian Sugianto dan kepala desa, menyebut keduanya sebagai penyelamat. Atas aksinya, Kementerian Hukum Korea Selatan mempertimbangkan memberi Sugianto visa permanent resident (F-2), penghargaan bagi mereka yang berkontribusi khusus atau mempromosikan kepentingan publik. Saat ini, Sugianto tinggal di Korsel dengan visa kerja yang mengharuskannya kembali ke Indonesia setelah tiga tahun. 📸: Dok. Reuters, AFP. Follow WhatsApp Channel kumparan untuk dapat Informasi terpercaya dikirim langsung ke WhatsApp kamu. Ketik kum.pr/WAchannel di browser kamu sekarang, agar bisa share informasi tanpa ragu. #newsupdate #update #news #videonews #kebakaran #kebakarankorsel #koreaselatan #sugianto #visapermanentresident #infointernasional #beritainternasional #info #infoterkini #berita #beritaterkini #bicarafaktalewatberita #kumparan ♬ original sound – kumparan
During the conversation, Sugianto explained the events of the night he assisted in the wildfire evacuation.
“From around 10pm, I banged on every house. Until half past 11 from 10 o’clock. Seven houses because the distance is quite far,” he said.
He described how he helped move people to safety:
“In Korea, it’s rich with hills, so I pull, carry, then I get a little tired, I stop a little, then carry again, it’s like that. 150 metres.”
He said he carried the elderly individuals roughly 150 metres away from the wildfire.
Cover: news.kr
