This is the chaotic moment miners rioted in Indonesia over the controversial replacement of pickup trucks with buses, leading to violent clashes and disruptions.

Thousands of contractor employees protested at the PT Indonesia Morowali Industrial Park (IMIP) in Morowali Regency, Central Sulawesi, on Sunday, March 2.

Authorities said the incident began when PT IMIP management and tenants issued regulations requiring 39 buses for contractor companies or Private Workforce Placement Institutions (LPTKS) operating in the industrial area.

The new regulation, which took effect on March 1 after eight months of socialisation, was met with resistance from workers. It was implemented due to numerous accidents and potential dangers caused by using open trucks to transport employees.

Head of Media Relations at PT IMIP, Dedy Kurniawan, said: 'A number of contractor employees operating in the IMIP area carried out anarchic actions at a number of entrances to the area.

'As a result, several IMIP safety officers, security officers, police and a PT DSI employee were injured and attacked by the workers.

'Apart from that, they also burned and damaged some safety patrol cars.'

Dramatic footage shows workers shouting at the scene while attacking a vehicle.

Dedy also added that protesters took advantage of the chaos to steal company assets, including air conditioners, copper, and cables.

He emphasised that the company would pursue legal action against those involved.

An investigation into the incident is underway.