Indonesian Hero Receives Long-Term Residency for Saving Neighbors from Fire

The South Korean government has decided to grant long-term residency status to 31-year-old Indonesian national Sukiyanto, who assisted local residents during a recent wildfire in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. On April 6, Lee Han-gyeong, the Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, announced during a meeting at the Government Sejong Building that three individuals, including Sukiyanto, would receive special contributor residency status for their efforts in helping elderly residents escape the flames.

Sukiyanto, who has been living in South Korea for eight years on a work visa, was recognized for his bravery on March 25 when he and local fishing association leader Yoo Myung-sin woke sleeping residents as the wildfire spread towards their village. The area, located on a coastal slope, posed significant evacuation challenges due to the high number of elderly residents. Sukiyanto carried those who had difficulty moving to safety, transporting them approximately 300 meters to a nearby breakwater.

A 90-year-old resident who was rescued stated, "If it weren't for Sukiyanto, we would all have died. I fell asleep while watching TV, and when I heard shouting about the fire outside, I saw Sukiyanto there, and he helped me escape on his back."

Sukiyanto, who works as a crab fisherman, has a wife and a five-year-old son in Indonesia and was facing the prospect of leaving South Korea in three years. Following the incident, the Ministry of Justice announced on April 1 that they would consider granting him F-2 residency status due to his significant contributions to saving lives. Long-term residency can be awarded by the Minister of Justice to individuals who have made special contributions to South Korea or have advanced public welfare.