Rahmad Nur, Morowali, Central Sulawesi – At least six people were injured after a protest by residents of Matarape village in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, escalated into a clash with workers at construction company Astima Konstruksi, police said.

Five residents suffered injuries from sharp objects, mainly to their legs and hands, while one Chinese national was also injured in the clash, Morowali Police Chief Reza Khomeini said Monday.

Police evacuated 75 Chinese workers from the company premises and took them to the Central Sulawesi Police headquarters for their safety. The workers are being treated as witnesses while authorities investigate the incident.

"We have evacuated and taken 75 people into protective custody at the Central Sulawesi Regional Police Headquarters," Reza said.

The unrest began Friday when Matarape residents staged a protest outside the gate of Astima Konstruksi, or Askon, over dust allegedly generated by the company's material transportation activities.

Residents claimed the dust was spreading into nearby residential areas. During the protest, they briefly blocked a road and damaged company vehicles.

The situation escalated when representatives of the residents and company management attempted to negotiate but failed to reach an agreement. A verbal confrontation then broke out between residents and Chinese workers before turning physical at around 12:15 p.m. local time.

The clash also damaged company property, including at least five pieces of heavy equipment and five light vehicles used for operations.

Police from Morowali and the Southeast Sulawesi Police Mobile Brigade, or Brimob, were deployed to restore order and prevent the violence from escalating.

The 75 Chinese workers were subsequently taken to the Central Sulawesi Police headquarters for registration and inspection by immigration officials. Police said no legal status had been determined for the workers as the investigation remains ongoing.

"After the inspection and registration by Immigration, the case is still under further investigation," Reza said.

Brimob remains on standby

Police said the situation in Matarape was under control as of Monday, although Brimob personnel remained stationed at the Askon site to anticipate further disturbances.

Police and local government officials are also mediating between residents and the company to prevent further conflict and address the issues that triggered the protest.

"The residents' situation has improved. We continue to conduct outreach efforts, and we've also requested assistance from the local government to help clarify the situation and find a solution promptly," Reza said.

He urged residents and the company to remain calm while authorities investigate the incident.

"Let's find the best solution, and let the police focus on handling the legal case," he said.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/police-evacuate-75-chinese-workers-after-clash-in-morowal