Indonesian Seaman Awarded Long-Term Residency for Heroic Actions During Wildfire

The South Korean government has decided to grant long-term residency status to 31-year-old Indonesian seaman, Sukiyanto, for his heroic efforts in assisting local residents during a wildfire in Uiseong, North Gyeongsang Province. 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 Sukiyanto, along with two other Indonesian nationals, would receive special residency status for their contributions in helping elderly residents evacuate during the crisis.

Sukiyanto, who has been living in South Korea for eight years on a work visa, was recognized for his bravery on March 25 when a wildfire spread to his village in Yeongdeok County. He, along with the village head, went door-to-door around 11 PM to wake sleeping residents, many of whom were elderly and had difficulty evacuating quickly due to the steep coastal terrain.

He carried residents who were unable to walk to safety, transporting them approximately 300 meters to a nearby breakwater. One elderly villager, who was rescued by Sukiyanto, expressed gratitude, stating, "If it weren't for Sukiyanto, we would have all died. I was watching TV and fell asleep, but when I heard shouting about the fire, I woke up to find Sukiyanto there, and he helped me escape."

Sukiyanto works as a crab fisherman and has a wife and a five-year-old son in Indonesia. He was facing the prospect of leaving South Korea in three years due to visa regulations. Following the incident, the Ministry of Justice announced on April 1 that they would review granting him F-2 residency status, recognizing his significant contributions to saving lives during the wildfire. 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.