TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto stated that China has responded to the rumor saying that 10 million Chinese workers have entered Indonesia.
"I have held talks with Chinese ambassador. He paid a visit and said that the rumor was not true," Wiranto said at his office on Tuesday, December 27, 2016.
Wiranto, however, did not reveal when he met with the ambassador.
According to Wiranto, the Chinese government is willing to assist Indonesia to clamp down on misapropriation of tourist visas for working purposes. The Chinese government said that it would not mind if such labor disputes are processed under the Indonesian judicial system. "There is no problem. Let's stay calm, please don't easily believe in rumors," Wiranto noted.
Earlier, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had dismissed the rumor about 10 million Chinese workers entering Indonesia. Jokowi said that there are only around 21,000 Chinese workers in Indonesia, most of which are skilled workers.
The President suspected that there are parties who intentionally misinterpreted Indonesia's target to attract millions of Chinese tourists. Jokowi said that Indonesia is not aiming to attract foreign workers, but expects to see millions of Chinese tourist visiting the country.
ISTMAN MP
