The arrival of 500 Chinese TKAs is delayed, the government finds solutions

YAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Special Staff of the President for Early Law Purwono said the government was seeking a solution to the delay in the arrival of 500 foreign workers from China to southeast Sulawesi.

Because the late arrival of Chinese foreign workers is considered to have an impact on the absorption of local workers.

“Currently, the Ministry of Human Resources continues to coordinate with the Governor and the Legislative Council of Sulawesi of the Southeast to find the best solution,” Dini said in a written statement on Monday (05/11/2020).

Also read: 3,000 local workers threatened sacked, if 500 Chinese TKAs do not arrive

Dini said the 500 Chinese foreign workers were brought in by the company because they had special experience in installing foundry equipment.

The use of external labor must be done by the company because local workers do not have the experience to work in the foundry installation.

“If the installation is completed, this smelter will be able to absorb 3,000 local workers,” Dini said.

Dini added that the company aims for 500 foreign workers to only work for up to six months and after the facility has finished returning to the country of origin.

While working, the Chinese TKA was also asked to transfer its knowledge and experience to local workers so that we then no longer need to rely on outside workers.

PT Virtue Dragon Nickel Industry (VDNI) and PT Obsidian Stainless Steel (OSS) have previously been approved by the Ministry of Human Resources to bring 500 foreign workers from China.

However, the arrival of 500 Chinese foreign workers in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic was generating controversy, so their arrival was delayed. Therefore, we need a solution related to this problem.

“So on the one hand, the Covid-19 prevention effort is sustained, and on the other hand, a project that can absorb 3,000 local workers can also work because it involves the livelihood of many people,” said Dini.

Also Read: Issue 3,000 Threatened Local Workers Fired if 500 Chinese TKAs Are Canceled, Here’s the Explanation

“Even if they come later, all foreign workers will have to go through a series of tests and health protocols to make sure they are free of the Covid-19 virus,” he continued.

The company itself had previously stated that 3,000 planned local workers would lose their jobs if 500 Chinese TKAs were not hired. This was said by PT VDNI Indrayanto’s External Affairs Manager.

“If 500 Chinese foreign workers do not enter, up to 3,000 more local workers are at risk of losing their jobs,” Indrayanto said.