Welcome to Liga Asuransi, the most comprehensive and up-to-date place for discussions about risk and insurance. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your colleagues and friends.
In recent years, Indonesia has become a top destination for foreign investors, particularly from China, investing in various strategic sectors. From infrastructure development projects, nickel mining, smelters, to new and renewable energy development, Chinese investment has been flowing rapidly into the country.
Several large industrial areas, such as Morowali, Weda Bay, and Halmahera, have witnessed the rapid development of Chinese projects in Indonesia. However, behind this enormous potential lies a variety of risks that often escape the attention of business owners and investors.
Political, operational, legal, environmental, and even social risks can pose a real threat to investment sustainability, especially on a large scale and across borders. Therefore, a mature risk management approach is required, and this is where insurance plays a crucial role as an effective mitigation tool.
In this article, we will discuss in depth the types of risks faced by Chinese companies when investing in Indonesia, as well as protection solutions through various relevant insurance products that must be considered from the outset.
Investment Risk Profile Faced by Chinese Companies in Indonesia
Although Indonesia is a promising market, foreign investors in Indonesia still face significant challenges. This is especially true for Chinese companies involved in strategic projects in the energy, mining, and infrastructure sectors.
Here are some of the main risks that Chinese companies often face when investing in Indonesia:
1. Political and Regulatory Risks
Sudden policy changes remain a major concern in Indonesia’s investment climate. Foreign investors often face revisions to mining regulations, restrictions on mineral exports, or adjustments to labor regulations. Chinese projects in Indonesia are also vulnerable to changes in regional leadership, which can impact permitting and project continuity.
A concrete example is the ban on raw nickel exports, which has had a direct impact on many Chinese smelter companies. Without mitigation strategies such as regulatory and legal risk-based insurance protection, financial losses could be substantial.
2. Operational Risk
These risks include project accidents, heavy equipment breakdowns, construction delays, and technical failures. Many Chinese projects in Indonesia involve high-tech and substantial capital investments, so even the slightest downtime can result in significant losses.
Indonesia’s challenging geographic conditions — such as projects in remote areas or with limited access — also increase the likelihood of incidents. Project insurance such as Contractor’s All Risk (CAR) or Erection All Risk (EAR) it is very important to minimize losses from these operational risks.
3. Environmental Risks and Natural Disasters
Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. This poses a major challenge for foreign investors in Indonesia, especially in large-scale projects such as the construction of smelters or hydroelectric power plants in mountainous or coastal areas.
Furthermore, the risk of environmental damage from mining or industrial activities can lead to lawsuits, public protests, and even government sanctions. Environmental liability insurance has become very relevant.
4. Social and Employment Risks
Tensions between local and foreign workers, differences in work culture, and even demonstrations from communities surrounding the project often become stumbling blocks.Chinese projects in Indonesia, issues such as cross-cultural communication and public perception of Chinese workers must be managed wisely.
These risks not only impact productivity but can also cause operational disruptions and even damage assets. Insurance that covers strike, riot, and civil disturbance (SRCC) can provide additional protection.
By understanding these four risk profiles, foreign investors in Indonesia—particularly from China—can be better prepared to develop robust mitigation strategies, including through the use of appropriate and structured insurance products.
Real Case Studies or Illustrations
To understand how important risk mitigation through insurance is, let’s look at an illustration of a case that often occurs in the context of Chinese projects in Indonesia.
Case 1: Smelter Fire in Industrial Area
A Chinese company operating in the Morowali industrial area experienced a massive fire in its smelter area due to a short circuit in the electrical system. Losses reached over $10 million. Unfortunately, due to not having activated the policy, Property All Risk, all recovery costs must be borne by the company itself.
As a result, production was halted for more than four months, export contracts were disrupted, and trust from business partners plummeted. In this context, foreign investors in Indonesia can learn that insurance protection is an important component of long-term business strategy.
Case 2: Project Disruption Due to Social Conflict
A hydroelectric power plant (PLTA) project being undertaken by a consortium of Chinese companies and an Indonesian state-owned enterprise was delayed for six months due to local community opposition regarding land acquisition and environmental impacts. During this delay, the company continued to cover fixed costs such as heavy equipment rental, staff salaries, and security.
If from the start the company had protection like this Delay in Start-Up Insurance (DSU) or Business Interruption Insurance, these losses can be reduced significantly.
Important Lesson: Risk Is Always There – Protection Must Be Ready
The cases above are not uncommon in the investment world, particularly in the energy and mining sectors. For both large-scale and medium-scale projects, foreign investors in Indonesia must anticipate operational, social and environmental risks with careful insurance planning.
That way, when a risk actually occurs, the impact is not a business disaster, but rather part of anticipated management.
Types of Insurance Needed by Chinese Investors in Indonesia
In order to survive and thrive amidst the complexity of existing risks, foreign investors in Indonesia Companies, including Chinese companies, must have a reliable protection system. One of the most effective risk mitigation instruments is through commercial insurance products which is tailored to the characteristics of the project.
Following are the main types of insurance that are recommended to secure your projects in Indonesia:
1. Project Insurance – CAR/EAR (Contractor’s All Risk / Erection All Risk)
CAR/EAR insurance is mandatory for industrial construction and equipment installation projects, such as smelters, factories, or energy infrastructure. This product provides protection against physical damage during the construction phase, whether due to human error, natural disasters, or technical accidents.
2. Property & Heavy Equipment Insurance (Property & Equipment Insurance)
Chinese companies commonly import or rent high-value heavy equipment for mining or construction operations. This insurance protects against damage or loss of heavy equipment and critical facilities, whether due to fire, theft, or other disruptions.
3. Liability Insurance(Liability Insurance)
As a foreign investor in Indonesia, it’s important to protect yourself from potential lawsuits. Liability insurance covers:
- General Liability Insurance– for accidents that harm third parties
- Environmental Liability Insurance– for mining or industrial projects that are prone to environmental pollution
- Employer’s Liability Insurance– for cases of work accidents or labor conflicts
4. Surety Bond & Performance Bond
B2B projects, especially those involving government or state-owned enterprises, often require a surety bond, such as a performance bond, bid bond, or maintenance bond. This insurance guarantees that the contractor will complete the project according to the contract.
5. Health Insurance for Foreign Workers and Local Employees
Chinese projects in Indonesia frequently employ foreign workers (TKA) and hundreds of local workers. Providing health insurance not only helps manage medical risks but also increases employee satisfaction and productivity.
By having a complete and structured insurance package,foreign investors in Indonesia can run projects more calmly and professionally, without being disturbed by uncertainties that may occur at any time.
The Importance of Choosing an Experienced Local Insurance Broker
In managing large-scale investment risks, the selection of insurance brokers is one of the keys to success. For foreign investors in Indonesia, especially for Chinese companies undertaking strategic projects such as smelters, mining, or infrastructure, it is important to not only purchase a policy, but also obtain comprehensive risk consulting services.
Why is working with an experienced local insurance broker like L&G Insurance Broker so important?
1. Understand Local Regulations and Culture
Any Chinese projects in Indonesia must operate within Indonesian law, including regarding insurance. In some cases, foreign companies are required to place insurance policies through local insurance companies or work with brokers registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK).
Local brokers understand the intricacies of regulations, as well as the work culture and communication approach that aligns with government agencies and local stakeholders. This simplifies the claims process and policy management.
2. Risk Audit and Solution Recommendations
L&G Insurance Broker not only sells policies but also conducts risk audits on each project. We help foreign investors in Indonesia identify coverage gaps, adjust coverage limits, and connect with the best underwriters for each industry.
3. Global Connection and Multilingual Services
As an experienced brokerage that has handled numerous multinational projects, L&G has an international network and the ability to communicate in multiple languages, including English and Mandarin. This was crucial for the Chinese project team in Indonesia, ensuring efficient and professional communication.
With the right local broker, risks are not only controlled, but also transformed into strategic opportunities that strengthen the long-term foundation of the business.
Conclusion
Foreign investment in Indonesia, including by Chinese companies, offers tremendous growth potential. However, this potential is always accompanied by various risks—from political and operational to social and environmental.
Therefore, insurance is no longer just a complement, but an integral part of a professional and sustainable risk management strategy.
As a leading insurance broker in Indonesia, L&G Insurance Broker is here to help you design a comprehensive protection solution, according to industry needs and local regulations.
🔹 Need a consultation?
🔹 Currently running a strategic project?
Contact L&G now for fast and transparent risk audit, policy placement, and claims assistance.
📞Contact our team directly for further discussion at 0811-8507-773
