[unofficially translated from bahasa provided by Business & Human Rights Centre]

"Conflict between Chinese and local workers in nickel smelter, from Red Carpet to ticking time bomb" 30 January 2026

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4 foreign workers from China were arrested in the nickel smelting area in Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, on Wednesday (28/1/2026). Allegedly, they are ganging up and physically harassing two local workers for questioning their salary conditions. This incident triggered bigger disturbance in the Pomalaa Industrial Park area.

Until Friday (30/01/2026), the 4 foreign workers' still in custody...

They are ZZ, HY, WB and WH... "From those four, three of them are convicted. The other one (WH), is still under witness status....

Head of the Crime Unit from Southeast Sulawesi Police... in contact with the Chinese embassy regarding their citizens in custody.

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Sociology professor from Halu Oleo University, Bahtiar argued that the root cause of these incidents stem from its special treatment towards Chinese workers and investment for almost 10 years...

This brought consequences on the power gap held by foreign investors and workers. They treated local workers with lacks of social ethics and norms.

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