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Don't misinterpret the influx of Chinese workers: VP
Jusuf Kalla
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Jusuf Kalla. (JP/Awo) (JP/Awo)
Jusuf Kalla. (JP/Awo)
Vice President Jusuf Kalla has asked the people not to misinterpret the influx of Chinese workers in Indonesia, since they are brought in by investors.
"It's not easy to hire workers here," said Kalla at his office on Wednesday as quoted by tempo.co. "The investors [usually already] have certified workers."
He said that the Chinese workers would not compete with the local blue-collar workers, since big projects would certainly involve local workers as well.
Kalla also said local workers would receive better wages.
"So, the Chinese workers are allowed [to enter] to create more projects and open more employment [opportunities in Indonesia]. Don't think in reverse," said Kalla.
Separately, Manpower Minister Hanif Dhakiri said that the number of blue-collar workers from China in Indonesia had stayed the same over the years.
"The number is around 13,000. Compared to the number of local workers, it is still small," said Hanif.
The ministry has reportedly allowed 41,365 Chinese workers to enter Indonesia between Jan. 2014 and May 2015. There are 12,837 that are still in Indonesia.
The most popular sectors for the Chinese workers between Jan. 2014 and May 2015 were trade and services (25,579), industry (11,114) and agriculture (3,672). (kes)
