The recruitment of Chinese laborers for the Deli plantations in East Sumatra during the Dutch colonial period was carried out through an organized system. Prospective workers underwent the signing of labor contracts in China before being transported by sea to the Dutch East Indies.

Upon arrival in Medan, laborers from Swatow (Shantou) were distributed to various plantations in the Deli region. This process formed part of the coolie contract system, which served as the operational foundation of the plantation industry, particularly in the production of commodities such as tobacco. Workers were bound by contractual agreements that regulated their period of service and obligations.