Indonesia is considering sending officials to examine BYD’s newly opened vehicle assembly plant in Subang, West Java, after local residents challenged the company’s hiring practices. The dispute centers on a demand that at least 70% of the plant’s workforce come from the surrounding area, so local people benefit directly from the investment.
The campaign is being led by Forum Masyarakat Subang Bersatu. Residents say local job opportunities have been insufficient, while the company may consider its recruitment consistent with employment requirements. The government has described the disagreement as a possible gap between the expectations of residents and the company, and says officials may investigate the facts and coordinate with relevant agencies. No conclusion has been reached that BYD violated labor rules, and the company has not agreed to the proposed 70% quota.
BYD officially opened the Subang plant on September 3, 2026. Its maximum annual production capacity is 150,000 vehicles. Local authorities have said the company advertised about 3,000 jobs through the Nyari Gawe recruitment platform, with more than 800 applicants selected. Hiring still depends on candidates’ qualifications, particularly for technical and vehicle-production roles that require quality-control skills. BYD, labor officials and community representatives have held talks on resolving the dispute.
The report also notes a change to BYD’s manufacturing plans in Malaysia: instead of building its own assembly plant at Tanjong Malim, it will work with Inokom Corporation to assemble vehicles under the CKD model in Kulim, Kedah. In Indonesia, the next steps remain uncertain as the government considers the local hiring demand.