Minister of Social Affairs Gives Awards for 2 Residents of Turi Rescuers of River Tracing Victim

SLEMAN (February 25, 2020) - Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara expressed his appreciation to two people who were known to have helped hundreds of students of SMPN 1 Turi who were washed away in Sempor River, Sleman, some time ago. The two people who received the Social Affairs Minister's award were Darwanto a.k.a Kodir and Mbah Sudiro.

"What Pak Kodir and Pak Sudiro did should be an example for all of us. Both of them act selflessly, and truly with the intention of saving others. By fighting fear and in the midst of the threat of swift currents, both of them helped children who were drifting," said Minister of Social Affairs Juliari, in Jakarta, Tuesday (01/25/2020).

Representing Juliari, Director of Social Protection for Victims of Natural Disasters (PSKBA) Rachmat Koesnadi handed over the award in the form of money worth IDR10 million each to Kodir and Mbah Sudiro witnessed by Sleman Regent Sri Purnomo, today.

The Minister of Social Affairs stated that what the two residents of Turi District had done was in line with the values developed by the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially related to social solidarity. "Both of them are examples of the real application of the values of social solidarity," said the Minister. 

The Minister emphasized the importance of continuing to foster and develop the values and spirit of social solidarity. In line with the strong currents of modernity that run in almost all aspects of life, individualistic attitudes and lack of care for others tend to strengthen. 

"Alhamdulillah, it turns out that we still find the values of social solidarity from these two great figures," said the Minister.

The Minister also emphasized that this award was given, not with the intention of reducing the Minister's appreciation to other parties who had contributed in accordance with their roles and functions in saving the incident of students drifting in the Sempor River. 

"My highest appreciation goes to all related parties, who, work together to handle this incident. Hopefully, this will be the last incident, and a lesson for all of us," said the Minister. 

On the same occasion, Rachmat added that the humanitarian instincts possessed by Mas Kodir and Mbah Sudiro are the greatest capital in all social and humanitarian aspects.

"We really appreciate the humanitarian work of all friends, especially Mas Kodir and Mr. Sudiro. without them, there might have been more victims. Thank you very much sir," he said.

The awarding event coincided with the Dissemination of the Social Restoration Program of the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as the inauguration of the Sembada Volunteer Secretariat by the Regent of Sleman, Sri Purnom.

It's Hard to Accept the Award

Mbah Sudiro himself admitted that it was hard to receive the award because there were many other residents who helped with the evacuation process.  For this reason, the award money he received will be distributed to residents who helped.

"It's very hard to accept because it's not only me but all the people who worked. Incidentally, the person who recorded me and this man. I will distribute this money and donate it to build a mosque," said Sudiro.

Meanwhile, Kodir admitted that he did not expect this award. He admitted that he helped the students who have swept away from humanity and a sense of helping.

"Honestly, it’s not for me but only for humanity," he said.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs