Four Injured in Morowali Clash, 75 Chinese Workers Under Police Investigation

Morowali, VIVA – Tensions between local residents and foreign workers in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, have resulted in the evacuation of dozens of workers from China.

A total of 75 foreign nationals working at PT AK were brought to the Central Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters for questioning. The evacuation took place following a riot in the company’s operational area on Friday (2/10/26). Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the trigger of the clash.

The Morowali Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Reza Khomeini, confirmed the evacuation of the dozens of foreign workers. “We have brought the foreign nationals to the Central Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters for examination,” he told reporters, as cited on Monday (5/10/26).

To prevent further unrest, joint security personnel remain stationed around the location. Police are also continuously monitoring the situation to ensure it does not escalate further.

According to preliminary data as of Saturday (3/10/26), the clash left four people injured, consisting of three Indonesian nationals and one foreign national. “Three Indonesians and one foreign national sustained injuries. Currently, the injured foreign national is receiving medical treatment,” he said.

In addition to questioning the evacuated foreign nationals, the police are also coordinating with the Immigration Department to verify their documents and administrative completeness.

On the other hand, the police are reluctant to hastily conclude the cause of the riot. The Head of Public Relations for the Morowali Police, Inspector Yunus, stated that initial information received by the police suggests the unrest began during a protest by residents in the PT AK operational area.

According to Yunus, there is a suspicion of miscommunication that subsequently caused the protest to turn chaotic. However, this suspicion must still be proven through investigations and the collection of information.

The Morowali Police Criminal Investigation Team is still examining several parties to confirm the sequence of events and identify those involved in the clash.

“The investigation is also being conducted to ensure the chronology and identify the parties involved,” said Yunus.

Yunus added that the police do not wish to release unverified information, fearing it might trigger new problems. The investigation is being carried out in coordination with the Central Sulawesi Regional Police.