Chinese Media Highlights Thug Actions at BYD Factory, Disrupting EV Industry

KatadataOTO – Acts of thuggery by mass organizations (community organizations) against BYD are once again a topic of discussion. It was even reported by a media outlet from China.

Recently, news of the disruption to the construction of the BYD factory in Subang, West Java has spread to China.

“In Indonesia, the dream of becoming the electric vehicle (EV) hub of Southeast Asia clashes with an old foe, namely organized crime groups of thugs,” wrote the South China Morning Post, Tuesday (06/05).

In a report titled "Indonesia's EV Revolution Held Hostage by Preman Gangster Problem", they wrote that thuggery has always been a frightening specter for industry players.

Photo: Courtesy

From initially only disturbing street vendors and small businesses, they are now also said to be disrupting BYD's production facilities.

Even though the project is touted as being able to have a positive impact on the country's economy.

“They have now become an entrenched force in the country's economic and political order,” the media outlet continued.

The report also revealed that thuggery is not only experienced by BYD. VinFast, an electric car manufacturer from Vietnam, has also become a victim.

This is of course quite disappointing for many parties. The reason is that it is considered to be able to disrupt the growth of the EV industry in Indonesia.

Government Promises to Eradicate Thuggery

As a reminder, the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) is willing to step in to handle the case experienced by this Chinese brand.

They claim they will communicate with BYD Indonesia to resolve the issue of disruption by mass organizations during the factory construction process in Subang, West Java.

“Today we will try to contact our friends from BYD to see what the situation is,” said Nurul Ichwan, Deputy for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM, as quoted by Antara.

Nurul said that after communicating with BYD, BKPM will coordinate with the Anti-Thuggery Task Force.

The BKPM Ministry wants acts of thuggery and various other unsettling activities to be handled effectively.

He also revealed that BKPM has consistently stated that acts of thuggery and illegal levies are very disruptive.

Photo: BYD

Not only from the perspective of convenience for business people, but it will also create a bad image for Indonesia's investment climate in the eyes of the world.

“It could be picked up by anyone that Indonesia is unsafe, that Indonesia has thuggery,” Nurul asserted.

He further conveyed that in the current global economic conditions, Indonesia should be increasing its competitiveness.