TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - South Korea’s Ministry of Justice on Tuesday, April 1, is reportedly considering a long-term residence visa for Sugianto, an Indonesian citizen who saved elderly locals from the wildfires that ran rampant in the East Asian country last week.
As reported by South Korean media, dkilbo, the acting Minister of Justice, Kim Seok-woo, is considering granting an F2 visa or long-term residence visa to Sugianto, an Indonesian sailor who has been living in Yeongdeok-gun for the past few years.
The long-term residence status is granted by the Minister of Justice to an individual deemed to have made a special contribution to the Republic of Korea or to have contributed to the promotion of public interests.
When the wildfire broke out in Uiseong on March 25 and hit Yeongdeok-gun, 31-year-old Sugianto went around the village with the head of the fishing village, Myung-shin, and informed the residents about the fire. He shouted and urged the residents to evacuate.
In the process, he carried elderly residents with limited mobility on his back to the breakwater in front of the village, which was 300 meters away.
As it was late at night, most residents were asleep, so Sugianto and the village head ran from house to house to announce the forest fire.
Sugianto shouted, "Grandma, there's a fire in the mountains, we need to evacuate quickly."
An elderly resident in her 90s who was able to evacuate said, "If it weren't for him, we would all die. I was asleep watching TV, but when I woke up to the sound of the fire outside, I looked out the door, and I was able to escape thanks to Sugianto, who carried me on his back.”
The Indonesian man has been in South Korea for eight years, entering with a work visa and working as a sailor. He has a wife and a 5-year-old son in his home country of Indonesia.
“I love Korea,” he said. “The village residents are like a family to me.”
"After three years, I have to go back home. I received a phone call from my wife in my hometown saying she was proud. I feel honored because no one was injured in the wildfire."
Thanks to Sugianto's help, 60 village residents survived the wildfire with no injuries.
Editor’s Choice: South Korean Police Arrest Man Who Started Forest Fire
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
South Korean Police Arrest Man Who Started Forest Fire
2 hari lalu
South Korean police had arrested a man suspected of causing a major forest fire that has swept through the southeastern part of the country.
Megawati Powers Red Sparks to South Korea V-League Final
3 hari lalu
Megawati Hangestri scored the highest points as Red Sparks defeated Hillstate to secure their spot in the 2024/2025 V-League final.
Wildfires and Aging Society Make for Deadly Mix in South Korea
3 hari lalu
The wildfires in North Gyeongsang province, South Korea, began in Uiseong county before spreading 70 km east, much larger than the LA fires in January
10 Most Educated Countries in 2025, Singapore Leads
4 hari lalu
Discover the most educated countries exemplifying the power of strategic investment in education.
South Koreans Mourn Historic Temple Burnt by Wildfire, Race to Save Others
4 hari lalu
South Korea's main opposition leader Lee Jae-myung visited the still-smoking ruins on Thursday.
BTS' Jungkook Donates 1 Billion for Korea's Wildfire Relief, Largest Individual Contribution
4 hari lalu
The youngest member of BTS, Jungkook, has donated 1 billion KRW to support the efforts in combating forest fires in South Korea.
Japan Wildfire: Strong Winds Fuel Blaze, Hundreds of Hectares Burned
4 hari lalu
The prefectures in western Japan, Okayama and Ehime, have been experiencing an escalating wildfire since Sunday evening, March 23, 2025
Countries with the Spiciest Food: Ready to Take the Heat?
5 hari lalu
Discover countries with the spiciest food in the world, where every bite bursts with fiery and rich flavors that reflect the unique character of each.
South Korea's Jeolla Delicacies: 5 Authentic Dishes, from Tteokgalbi to Ganjang Gejang
5 hari lalu
Here are some local culinary delights that can be tasted in the Jeolla Province, from Bibimbap with unique toppings to the popular Tteokgalbi in Damyang
Which Countries Strive to Become Cashless? Here Are the Pioneers
5 hari lalu
With convenience, efficiency, and security at the forefront, these most cashless countries aim to shift away from physical cash payment completely.
