A group described in a social-media video as members of an organization reportedly gathered at BYD’s factory in Subang, West Java, with demands that the company prioritize local workers. The account circulating online also called for a review of BYD’s cooperation related to land-use permits and production waste. The report does not independently establish those claims, but says Industry Minister Sarmuji has received information about the gathering and the local-employment demand.
Sarmuji said the dispute reflects a gap in perceptions: companies may believe they have hired enough local workers, while residents may feel local recruitment remains insufficient. He called for the two sides to communicate and reach a shared understanding. The incident recalls an earlier episode in April 2025, when BYD’s project was reported to have faced disruption and intimidation. At the time, MPR Deputy Speaker Eddy Soeparno stressed that investors need security assurances. BYD Indonesia executive Luther Panjaitan later said construction continued smoothly despite the disturbances.
BYD’s electric-vehicle facility is located in Phase 2 of Subang Smartpolitan. The factory was inaugurated in September 2026, although it had reportedly been producing vehicles since April that year. BYD has invested as much as Rp 11.7 trillion in the project.