President Jokowi Applauds Pinoy Surfer’s Heroic Act

Philippines surfer Roger Casugay waives hand after rescuing Indonesian surfer Arip Nurhidayat during the Sea Games surf competition at La Union, Philippines, last Friday (6/12). (Photo: twitter @jokowi)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo praised Filipino surfer Roger Casugay for giving up his chance to win gold medal for saving his Indonesian competitor Arip Nurhidayat at the 2019 Sea Games held in Manila, the Philippines.

“Winning a competition and upholding sportsmanship is important, but humanity is above everything. I would like to express my deepest appreciation for Roger Casugay, a Filipino surfer who forwent g the chance to win a gold medal to save an Indonesian athlete from drowning during the competition,” President Jokowi wrote on Twitter on Monday (9/12).

“Best wishes from Indonesia,” the President added.

Casugay was leading the race against Arip on Friday (6/12) when he noticed that Arip broke his leash and was swept by huge waves at Monaliza Point, La Union in northern Philippines.

Casugay then paddled back and helped the Indonesian back to safety.
Local surfer Jefferson Ganuelas who witnessed the scene described the act of bravery on his Facebook, saying that Casugay immediately rescued Arip without thinking about the ongoing race. (ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas