Employment Opportunities and Social Networks of Indonesian Women Migrant Workers at the Border

Abstract

Purpose: Migration of Indonesian women abroad and the challenges they face have become an interesting topic recently. There has been a shift in migration rates, where women have begun to dominate this phenomenon known as the feminization of migrants. Despite risks such as violence and fraud attached to the work of migrant women, many Indonesian women still choose to work abroad due to limited employment opportunities, limited education, poverty and heavy family responsibilities. Several factors drive women's migration, such as limited job opportunities in the area of origin, changes in agricultural systems, and competition for low-paid jobs. Method: The pull factor in the destination area also plays a role in offering better job opportunities. Social networks support Indonesian women's migration, both through legal and illegal channels, providing information and assistance during the migration process. Results: Transit areas such as Tanjung pinang in the Riau Archipelago are also important exit points for women migrant workers. Research has highlighted employment opportunities and shifting migration patterns in Indonesia, with unequal employment conditions, limited employment opportunities in the agricultural sector, and economic and social changes as driving factors for migration. Conclusions: The shift from male migration to female migration is also influenced by poverty, gender equality, and women's responsibilities towards the family. This article provides a better understanding of the phenomenon of migration of Indonesian women abroad, the challenges they face, and the factors that influence their decision to migrate.