Documented Migrant Workers, Communication Model and Mobile Phones Use
Amin Shabana, Nani Nurani Muksin, Amin Tohari

Universitas Muhammadiyah Jakarta

Abstract

Indonesia is the biggest sending country for migrant workers compared to other foreign labors. According to the Malaysia^s Ministry of Home Affairs in a 2015 report, there were 728,870 or 39% of Indonesian workers in Malaysia. Because of distance, they rely on mobile phones to maintain their relationship with the family. Communication through cellular phones is crucial to gain social and emotional support after being apart from their beloved ones. This thesis aims to find out the communication model and the mobile phone use of Indonesian migrant workers and their families at the host village. It is a qualitative research in which at least seven migrant workers were interviewees of this research - the informants comprising four documented-female workers and three documented male workers who work in Penang, Malaysia. The informant selection uses the snowball sampling technique. All respondents confirmed that communicating with families using a mobile phone as a form of loving expression for the family. They usually discuss their daily life, financial management, family needs, and expectations. Each informant stated that such a communication bond is a costly activity. To solve the problem, they buy a top-up package with a free conversation bonus.

Keywords: Indonesian migrant workers, remittance, mobile phone

Topic: Other Social Sciences and Humanities