At least 70 Chinese nationals are reported to be working illegally for mining firm PT Metal Mikro Perdana in Bangka Island, North Sulawesi.



'I know that they came here with tourist visas, not work permits,' Bangka resident Maria Taramen said on Tuesday, adding that the Chinese workers had been living in rented houses belonging to local residents for a year.



The local Manpower Agency's supervisory and placement division head Rudi Merung confirmed that the Chinese workers had not reported to his agency.



'I know there are Chinese workers on the island. They've probably reported to the Manpower Ministry [in Jakarta],' Rudi speculated.



Meanwhile, Mikro Perdana spokesman Patria Pombengi denied all knowledge of the Chinese workers. 'Check with the North Sulawesi Manpower Agency,' he told reporters.

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