2 workers killed in clash at China-backed nickel smelter in Indonesia

An Indonesian and a Chinese worker died after a clash broke out following a protest over pay at PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry in Central Sulawesi

Police said several company vehicles were torched and about 100 dormitory rooms were damaged

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Stockpiles of nickel ore await shipment at a port in Indonesia’s Sulawesi province. File photo: Reuters

Published: 12:54pm, 16 Jan 2023Updated: 2:43pm, 16 Jan 2023

Two people were killed when workers clashed at a nickel smelting facility operated by a unit of China’s Jiangsu Delong Nickel Industry in Indonesia’s Sulawesi island on the weekend, police said on Monday.

An Indonesian and a Chinese worker died after a clash broke out following a protest staged by a labour group at PT Gunbuster Nickel Industry (GNI) smelter, according to the Central Sulawesi police spokesperson Didik Supranoto.

Local media reported the protesters had demanded better safety conditions and pay.

“There was a stir because they forced their way into PT GNI’s area. Security tried to drive them away but they managed to get in,” Didik said.

“They did anarchist actions – arson and damage. From there, clashes occurred between workers who went on strike with workers inside.”

Several company vehicles were torched and about 100 rooms at workers’ dormitories were damaged, Didik said, adding that 71 people had been detained.

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