ASIATODAY.ID, KOLAKA — A local Indonesian worker was allegedly assaulted by several Chinese foreign workers at the construction site of a nickel smelter operated by PT Indonesia Pomalaa Industry Park (IPIP) in Pomalaa, Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a wage dispute, after the local laborer questioned unpaid or delayed salary entitlements. What began as a verbal argument escalated into violence inside the project area.
According to eyewitnesses, the victim was summoned to a room described as a mediation space. Instead of reaching a resolution, the worker reportedly emerged with head and body injuries, allegedly after being beaten by multiple foreign workers.
“He only asked about his wages. After entering the room, he came out bleeding,” said a fellow worker, who requested anonymity for safety reasons on January 28, 2026, reported local media.
The injured worker was taken to a nearby public health clinic for medical treatment. The incident triggered tension among local workers and briefly disrupted activities at the construction site.
Police Investigation Underway
Officers from the Kolaka Police Department responded to the incident and secured the area. Authorities are currently collecting witness statements and investigating allegations of assault and group violence, which may constitute a criminal offense under Indonesian law.
As of publication, police have not released official details regarding suspects or potential charges. PT IPIP management has also not issued a public statement addressing the incident.
About PT Indonesia Pomalaa Industry Park (IPIP)
PT Indonesia Pomalaa Industry Park (IPIP) was established in July 2022 to develop a large-scale integrated industrial park in Pomalaa, Southeast Sulawesi. The project is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to accelerate nickel downstreaming and battery material production for the global electric vehicle supply chain.
The Pomalaa industrial park is designed to host high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) nickel smelters, along with supporting infrastructure for energy, logistics, and advanced materials manufacturing. The complex is expected to play a key role in producing nickel-based materials for lithium-ion batteries.
The planned industrial area reportedly spans more than 11,000 hectares, with total investment estimates reaching hundreds of trillions of rupiah. Once fully operational, the project is projected to employ thousands of workers, with stated commitments to prioritize local labor recruitment.
IPIP is backed by Chinese industrial interests with a focus on new energy and mineral processing, and has been positioned as one of Indonesia’s strategic hubs for the global battery and electric vehicle ecosystem.
Broader Labor Concerns
The alleged assault has reignited scrutiny over labor relations, workplace safety, and dispute resolution mechanisms at major foreign-investment industrial projects in Indonesia.
Observers warn that unresolved wage issues and weak mediation processes risk escalating into broader social conflict, particularly where large numbers of foreign workers are involved.
Labor advocates are urging company management and authorities to ensure transparent wage systems, fair treatment of local workers, and zero tolerance for workplace violence at strategic industrial sites. (AT Network)
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