Electric vehicle manufacturer PT BYD Motor Indonesia called on authorities to intervene after recurring community protests disrupted operations at its Subang facility in West Java, detikFinance reported on Tuesday (10/11/2026).
The demonstrations create friction for a global brand trying to project stability to international markets. Company officials warn that local demands risk generating public misunderstandings about factory conditions.
Protests hit the assembly plant in late October 2026, with demonstrators demanding more jobs for local residents. Similar disruptions also occurred in 2025, according to a disclosure from Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI Eddy Soeparno reported by detikFinance.
“We hope that if possible, the authorities or agencies relevant to matters related to our demonstration will still be able to help BYD to provide information that is as clear and transparent as possible so that there is no confusion in the community.” said Luther Panjaitan, Head of Public & Government Relations PT BYD Motor Indonesia, told detikFinance at the Subang factory.
Manufacturing Operations Continue Despite Global Scrutiny
Company representatives emphasize that manufacturing operations must remain stable to protect the brand’s standing.
“Because frankly, BYD is a global company, BYD is also highlighted from a global business perspective so that we can also avoid misunderstandings from other stakeholders, not only in the domestic but also in the global sector.” Panjaitan told detikFinance.
Despite the unrest, management confirms that assembly lines continue running without major interruptions.
Indonesian Citizens Make up Most of the Workforce
The manufacturing complex currently employs nearly 6,000 workers as part of a broader plan to scale up its labor force. Indonesian citizens account for 90% of those jobs, with workers from West Java making up 80% of that total, according to Republika Online.
Residents from Subang represent 30% of the regional workforce from West Java, bringing local employment at the site to roughly 1,400 people. Company officials explain that hiring more local workers depends on specific technical skills.
“Currently, especially in the Subang area, there has never been a four-wheeled motor vehicle manufacturing industry established. Therefore, we need to recruit potential employees from areas in West Java that have manufacturing facilities.” Panjaitan told Republika Online, noting that the plant requires one to four years of automotive production experience.
To bridge the skills gap, the company sends hundreds of local technical trainees abroad for specialized instruction. These workers eventually return to train incoming staff and transfer expertise.
Ramp Up Production Goals for 2026
Facility utilization is climbing steadily alongside domestic sales. Management aims to push factory utilization to between 80% and 90% of total capacity by the end of 2026, according to Happy.
The Subang manufacturing site possesses a maximum output ceiling of 150,000 vehicles annually. That translates to roughly 10,000 to 12,000 units per month, as reported by Compass.
Domestic sales currently hover between 6,000 and 7,000 units monthly. As output accelerates, the company also aims to lift its local content requirement, known as TKDN, from a current minimum level up to a higher target by 2027 by partnering with over 200 domestic suppliers, according to ANTARA News.
Questions About Subang Manufacturing Growth
How many workers does the Subang plant plan to hire eventually?
The manufacturing facility targets a total absorption of up to 20,000 workers as production scales up.
What specific experience do applicants need to work on the assembly lines?
Factory roles require between one and four years of hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing processes such as stamping, welding, painting, or final assembly.
What is the current local employment breakdown for Subang residents?
Subang residents account for roughly 30% of the workforce drawn from West Java province, translating to about 1,400 local employees out of the nearly 6,000 total current staff.
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