Chinese Workers in Indonesia Allowed to Partake in National Strategic Projects

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Chinese workers in Indonesia are allowed to partake in national strategic projects owned by the Indonesian government, according to Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower.

The confirmation was made following protest actions by locals against the arrival of 152 Chinese workers in Southeast Sulawesi.

Demonstrations took place within the vicinity of Haluoleo Airport on June 23, with some demonstrators blocking access to the first arrivals of Chinese workers in Indonesia.

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“In principle, foreign workers are permitted to participate in national strategic projects,” said Indonesia’s Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziah on June 26.

Referring to Ministry of Manpower Regulation Number 11 Year 2020, Ida Fauziyah reassured that Chinese workers in Indonesia are required to follow health protocols.

The protocols include mandatory quarantine in their homeland and once they arrive in Indonesia.

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Ida Fauziyah continued by emphasizing that foreign workers in Indonesia are subject to tight monitoring.

Thus, documents for the health and immigration purposes of foreign workers in Indonesia are given extra attention.

“We will monitor their health protocols and also immigration-related requirements. Once again, this is included in Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower regulations. There are some national strategic projects that require foreign workers,” said Ida Fauziyah.

Opportunities for Indonesian workers

The recent entry of Chinese workers in Indonesia in Sulawesi is hoped to provide plenty of employment to local or Indonesian workers.

“The arrival of foreign workers is hoped to open up job opportunities for Indonesian workers hence reducing the unemployment rate,” said Ida Fauziyah on June 25.

Around 500 Chinese workers were flown in to work at a smelter factory in Konawe, Southeast Sulawesi.