Nongsa NDP Project Induction Data Records Chinese Workers

Safety induction documents for a project in the Nongsa Digital Park (NDP) area, Batam, Riau Islands, have recorded a number of Chinese workers included in the project’s administrative process. The document has drawn attention because it relates to labour administration and the use of foreign workers.

Based on the document obtained by Media Indonesia, a number of names are recorded as originating from China and occupying various technical and managerial positions. They hold roles including Project Manager, Technical Manager, Technical Engineer, Procurement Manager, Machinery Engineer, Material Engineer, and Civil Engineer. The document also lists the company name PT China Construction Yangtze River Indonesia (PT CCYR).

In addition to the Chinese workers, the induction data also includes hundreds of Indonesian workers employed in various fields, such as surveyors, engineers, HSE officers, operators, welders, riggers, and field workers.

In the remarks column, there are several administrative notes regarding some workers, including the failure to attach documents such as BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, identity cards, health certificates, and other supporting files. However, these notes cannot be concluded as violations as they still require clarification from the company and project management.

The Head of the Riau Islands Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration, Guntur Sahat, stated that the circulating document is old data. “The data circulating is from 2024. To date, there is no new data,” Guntur said on Sunday (28/6). According to Guntur, the authority regarding the Foreign Manpower Utilisation Plan (RPTKA) lies with the Riau Islands Provincial Manpower Office. “The RPTKA matter is the authority of the Riau Islands Manpower Office,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Riau Islands Manpower Office, Diky, could not be reached for comment as he was not available when contacted. Although the circulating document is said to be 2024 data, the presence of Chinese workers in the project is still considered to require further explanation, particularly regarding the compliance of labour and immigration administration, including the RPTKA documents.

Separately, the Director of PT Jamrud Andalas Jaya, Aljoni, stated that the work his company was responsible for on the NDP project was completed using Indonesian workers. However, the company claims it has not yet received payment for the work. “The work has been completed by us using Indonesian workers. Until now, we have not received payment of around IDR 3.4 billion. We have also reported this to the police, but to this day there has been no response,” Aljoni said. He also mentioned that the number of Chinese foreign workers on the project continues to increase annually. “The number increases every year. In 2025-2026, it is estimated to reach around 500 people,” he said. Aljoni hopes the project payment issue will be resolved soon and that various information regarding the use of foreign workers can be explained transparently by the relevant parties.