Learn Hardcore Indonesian: Para tukang datang pagi ini untuk mengecek langit-langit yang bocor. - The workers came this morning to check the leaking ceiling.

Para marks a plural group of people. Para tukang = “the workers/handymen.” Indonesian doesn’t normally mark plural, so without para, tukang could be singular or plural from context. Using para makes the plurality explicit and a bit formal. It’s optional.

Don’t combine para with reduplication: avoid para tukang-tukang.
Don’t use para with numerals or quantifiers: say dua (orang) tukang, beberapa tukang, not para dua tukang.

Why use tukang? Is it neutral, and what are alternatives?

Tukang is a general term for skilled manual workers (plumber, carpenter, handyman). It’s usually neutral. Alternatives:

Pekerja = workers (broad, neutral)
Buruh = laborers (often manual/blue-collar, sometimes lower-status)
Teknisi = technicians
Kontraktor = contractor
More specific: tukang listrik (electrician), tukang kayu (carpenter), tukang ledeng (plumber)

Why is datang bare? Should I add sudah to show past?