Only 16 Foreign Workers Have Permits Out of Hundreds of Foreign Workers at PT GEI Brebes?
BREBES-JAYA NEWS.COK – The practice of employing foreign workers (TKA) at PT Golden Emperor Indonesia (GEI), located in Brebes Regency, Central Java, is now under intense scrutiny. Based on investigation results and information gathered in the field, Thursday, December 18, 2025, strong indications emerged of immigration procedure violations and discriminatory behavior against local workers.
1. Data Discrepancies and Allegations of Visa Abuse
Field data indicates the number of foreign workers at PT GEI is estimated at 100 to 120, occupying 40 rooms in the employee dormitory. However, contradictions arise when internal information indicates that only around 16 of these people hold official work permits.
The remainder are strongly suspected of simply using visit (tourist) visas that are periodically extended. If proven, this practice violates the following legal framework:
Law No. Law No. 6 of 2011 (Immigration): Article 122 (a) carries a maximum prison sentence of five years for foreign nationals who abuse their stay permits.
Law No. 13 of 2003 (Manpower): Article 42 paragraph (1) requires employers of foreign workers to have official written permission from the Minister or an authorized official.
2. Focus on Work Ethics and Alleged Discrimination
Besides legal aspects, complaints have also been raised about the behavior of certain foreign workers towards local workers. Reports from internal sources indicate double standards in recruitment, which tend to target only young female workers, as well as minimal respect for domestic workers’ right to rest time.
This situation has the potential to violate Article 6 of Law No. 13 of 2003, which guarantees the right of every worker to receive equal treatment without discrimination from employers.
3. Legal Dynamics and Internal Pressure
This irregularity reportedly triggered a surprise inspection by Immigration. During the operation, several foreign workers suspected of having no permits were detained for further investigation.
Meanwhile, tensions within the company have escalated after several local employees were reported to the authorities for theft. This action has fueled speculation among workers that the reports were a form of intimidation or an attempt to silence those who have been vocal about irregularities within the company.
As of this writing, the management of PT Golden Emperor Indonesia (GEI) has not provided an official statement regarding the foreign worker ratio or the alleged visa abuse. The public and labor observers are now urging the local Manpower Office and Immigration Office to conduct a thorough audit to uphold the rule of law and protect domestic workers.
Reporter: Teguh
——–
