Indonesian Migrant Workers: Online Communication on Financial Management

Abstract

Communication plays an important role for Indonesian migrant workers or PMI’s life. One of the most frequently discussed issues in online communication between PMI and their families is their income management. Unfortunately, their lack of knowledge in managing remittance has led to less productive online communication. This research aims to describe: 1) PMI’s online communication; 2) Factors affecting PMI’s financial management; 3) PMI’s online communication with their families regarding financial management practices. This study used qualitative descriptive method. Informants were selected using snowballing technique. Data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions. Data validity was measured using a triangulation technique in the Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong and BNP2TKI. It was found that: 1) Online communication of Indonesian migrant workers in Hong Kong was primarily carried out using WhatsApp due to its low price and various features. Besides WhatsApp, PMI also used Facebook and Instagram for online business, 2) Family and individual basic needs have affected PMI’s financial management pattern, 3) PMI online communication about financial management practices was based on domestic problems. The communication pattern was determined by PMI’s spare time. The messages of financial communication focused on managing migrant remittance for children and families’ primary needs. Sometimes it was also discussed secondary needs such as home construction, the purchase of vehicles and rice field.