Inp.polri.go.id - Seoul. The Government of South Korea has awarded three Indonesian citizens for their life-saving actions during a recent wildfire in Yeongdeok, North Gyeongsang Province, on 25 March 2025.

Sugianto, Leo Dipiyo, and Vicky Septa Eka Saputra received official honors at a ceremony held Friday at the Ministry of Justice in Gwacheon. Their efforts included evacuating the elderly, rescuing isolated individuals, and transporting trapped residents by boat.

“We are deeply proud to witness Indonesians, despite limitations, contributing meaningfully to saving lives,” said Zelda Wulan Kartika, Acting Chargé d’Affaires at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, as quoted by antaranews.com on Sunday (20/4/2025).

The three were hailed as symbols of international humanitarian cooperation. Their courage not only saved lives but also strengthened bilateral ties between Indonesia and South Korea.

South Korean Justice Minister Park Sung Jae presented each with a formal award and granted them the F-2-16 visa, a special residency status for foreigners providing exceptional contributions to Korea.

Their actions, officials noted, deeply moved the Korean people.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)