A Moment of Heroism Amid Chaos

On September 28, 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia, devastating the island of Sulawesi and leaving a path of destruction in its wake. One of the most harrowing scenes was at the Mutiara Sis Al Jufri Airport in Palu, where an extraordinary act of bravery unfolded. Amid the chaos, an air traffic controller named Anthonius Gunawan Agung risked his life to ensure a plane with 148 people on board took off safely before disaster struck. His final words, spoken to the crew of Batik Air Flight 6321, echoed through the crumbling airport as the earthquake hit: “Batik 6321, clear for takeoff.”

A Life-Altering Decision: A Rush to Safety

As the earthquake and the subsequent tsunami loomed, Agung’s decision to stay behind was a courageous one, especially considering the severe danger that surrounded him. The earthquake was one of the most powerful to hit the region, with a magnitude of 7.5. Despite the building shaking and the walls cracking around him, Agung stayed in the airport’s control tower, guiding the plane to safety. His actions would ultimately save many lives, but at a great cost.

A 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesia in 2018 (**Carl Court/Getty Images**)

Learn more about the 2018 Indonesia earthquake and tsunami.

The Quick Thinking of Pilot Ricosetta Mafella

As the earthquake loomed, it wasn’t just Agung’s decision to remain behind that made the difference. The pilot of Batik Air Flight 6321, Ricosetta Mafella, also played a critical role in the chain of events that saved lives. According to Mafella, a voice in his head urged him to “just get out of here immediately.”

This sudden sense of urgency prompted Mafella to take off a few minutes earlier than planned, narrowly avoiding the destruction caused by the earthquake. As he ascended into the sky, he had no idea that his decision would later be hailed as life-saving.

Anthonius Gunawan Agung: A Young Hero

Agung, just 21 years old, had only recently joined the ranks of Indonesia’s air traffic controllers. Despite his youth, Agung’s dedication to his work and his incredible bravery in the face of overwhelming danger left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his final moments. In the face of adversity, he chose to stay at his post, ensuring the safe departure of Batik Flight 6321.

21-year-old Anthonius Gunawan Agung stayed inside the airport’s crumbling control tower until he was sure the plane with 148 people on board was away (**Indonesia Airnav**)

The Controller’s Final Moments: A Race Against Time

When the earthquake struck, Agung was alone in the control tower. His colleagues had already fled, urging him to do the same, but Agung chose not to leave his post. He remained focused, ensuring that the plane took off before the devastation hit.

Despite the impending destruction, Agung calmly spoke the words that would save lives: “Batik 6321, clear for take-off.” With those words, the plane began its ascent, soaring away from the disaster that would soon engulf the airport. Tragically, Agung was unable to escape the collapse of the tower in time.

Watch a documentary on the 2018 Indonesia earthquake here.

A Hero’s Sacrifice: The Aftermath of the Earthquake

As the earth shook and the tower began to crumble, Agung made a desperate attempt to reach safety. His exit was blocked, and in a moment of desperation, he jumped from the four-story-high tower. The fall left him severely injured, suffering from a broken leg and internal injuries. His colleagues, who had already fled, rushed to his aid and transported him to a nearby hospital.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, it was determined that Agung would need to be airlifted to another facility for more advanced treatment. Unfortunately, his injuries were too severe, and the young hero passed away before he could receive the help he needed.

Discover more stories of heroism during natural disasters.

National Recognition: Agung’s Posthumous Honors

In the wake of his tragic death, Agung was posthumously promoted twice by Air Navigation Indonesia as a recognition of his bravery and dedication. His actions in the control tower not only saved the lives of those aboard Batik Flight 6321 but also served as a reminder of the selfless dedication that many workers show in times of crisis.

Agung’s heroism didn’t go unnoticed. The pilot of Batik Flight 6321, Mafella, referred to him as a “guardian angel,” and national media outlets in Indonesia hailed Agung as a hero. His selflessness and determination to stay at his post during one of the most terrifying moments in the country’s history have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Read about other real-life heroes in times of disaster.

The Last Communication: A Glimpse into Agung’s Final Moments

After take-off, Mafella attempted to contact Agung to express his gratitude, but there was no response. Agung, by then, would have been trying to escape the crumbling tower, unaware that he had already saved so many lives. It wasn’t until later that Mafella learned the full extent of Agung’s sacrifice.

Mafella recalled that he was in a WhatsApp group with other air traffic controllers, and one of them had informed him that Agung had refused to leave the tower. Despite the chaos, Agung insisted on ensuring the plane’s safety first. Mafella recalled the message: “One of them told me they had asked Agung to get away from the tower. But he said, wait, wait, Batik is still here.”

The plane he helped guide to safety took off seconds before the airport was hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake (**Selman Tur/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images**)

Explore the impact of social media in times of crisis.

Social Media Tributes: How the World Remembered Anthonius Gunawan Agung

The heroic actions of Anthonius Gunawan Agung didn’t go unnoticed. After the tragedy, social media became a platform for people around the world to share their respect and admiration for the young air traffic controller who sacrificed his life to save 148 others. Posts flooded platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where people from various walks of life paid tribute to Agung’s bravery.

Here are some of the most heartfelt social media tributes shared by users across the globe:

Twitter Tributes: #HeroicAgung

On Twitter, the hashtag #HeroicAgung became a symbol of honor for Agung’s incredible bravery. People used the platform to share his story, express their grief, and celebrate his courage. Here’s an example of a tweet that captured the sentiment:

@IndoNewsNow
“Incredible bravery by Anthonius Gunawan Agung, who stayed at his post during the deadly Palu earthquake to guide #BatikAir safely into the sky. His selflessness saved 148 lives. We will never forget you. #HeroicAgung”

Facebook: Global Expressions of Grief and Honor

On Facebook, posts ranged from personal reflections to public memorials. Many Indonesians shared Agung’s story to ensure his heroism would never be forgotten. One post that went viral was shared by a local news outlet:

Indonesia News Update
“He stayed behind when everyone else fled. Anthonius Gunawan Agung’s last act of bravery saved so many lives. Rest in peace, hero. Your legacy will continue to inspire.”
#PaluEarthquake #HeroicAgung #IndonesiaStrong

Join the conversation on Facebook.

Instagram: A Picture of Heroism

On Instagram, where visuals tell powerful stories, photos of the airport, Agung’s memorial, and heartfelt messages were shared widely. A tribute post from an air traffic controller’s association included a photo of Agung with the caption:

@ATCHeroes
“To the air traffic controller who stayed at his post until the very end, guiding a plane to safety despite imminent danger. #HeroicAgung, your sacrifice will never be forgotten. #ATCHero #SelflessHero”

Follow the conversation on Instagram here.

A Collective Reflection: Global Reaction

Across the globe, people were moved by Agung’s final moments and the selfless decision he made to stay behind to guide the flight out of harm’s way. Many reflected on the idea of heroism in the face of unimaginable peril, expressing gratitude for individuals like Agung who make the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of others.

Reaction from Indonesia: Within Indonesia, Agung was heralded as a national hero. His actions brought the country together in mourning and remembrance, with many using social media to share how his sacrifice had touched their hearts. One particularly moving post read:

@IndonesianHeroes
“A young life taken too soon, but the legacy of Anthonius Gunawan Agung lives on in the 148 lives he helped save. His story reminds us all of the importance of duty, courage, and love for humanity. #InHonorOfAgung #IndonesianHero”

See more posts and tributes on Indonesia’s national news.

Legacy of Bravery: Remembering Agung’s Heroic Actions

Agung’s actions are a testament to the dedication and selflessness of many who work behind the scenes to keep the public safe. While his story is a tragic one, it serves as an example of courage and resolve when faced with impossible choices.

His heroism has been immortalized through memorials and tributes in Indonesia and beyond. His family, friends, and colleagues remember Agung as a young man who gave his life to save others. Even in death, his legacy continues to inspire countless others to act with bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.

Conclusion: A Tribute to the Fallen Hero

Anthonius Gunawan Agung’s story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and heroism in the face of disaster. His actions in the control tower saved 148 lives and serve as a reminder of the extraordinary lengths that people will go to in order to help others. His final words, “Batik 6321, clear for takeoff,” will forever resonate as a symbol of the dedication and courage that defined his short but impactful life.

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Featured Image Credit: Indonesia Airnav