Rosita Tandos

Indonesian Female Migrant Workers and Violent Extremism: Thoughts, Trends and Women’s Empowerment

Introduction

Indonesian female migrant workers and violent extremism: thoughts, trends and women’s empowerment. Explore violent extremism among Indonesian female migrant workers, analyzing vulnerability factors like isolation & social media. Highlights women's empowerment in counter-extremism strategies.

Abstract

This study aims to examine the level of violent extremism among former Indonesian Female Migrant Domestic Workers (FMDWs) and explore the factors contributing to their vulnerability to radicalization, including ideological influence, social dynamics, and digital exposure. The research involved 100 former Indonesian FMDWs residing in Indramayu District, West Java. Among them, 58 had worked in Middle Eastern countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar) and 42 in Southeast Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia). Data were collected using a mixed-method approach, combining closed and open-ended survey questions. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review and preliminary trials. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic qualitative analysis to identify patterns of exposure and engagement with extremist narratives. The findings reveal that while most respondents reject violent extremism and terrorist acts, some showed vulnerability due to isolation, unmoderated religious exposure via social media, and limited access to support systems. A small number admitted encountering radical teachings or invitations to join hardline groups. The study highlights the importance of gender-sensitive counter-extremism strategies and emphasizes the critical role of empowering women in preventing violent extremism.

Review

This study embarks on a timely and critical examination of violent extremism among former Indonesian Female Migrant Domestic Workers (FMDWs), a demographic often overlooked in such analyses. The chosen mixed-method approach, combining closed and open-ended survey questions with a sample of 100 former FMDWs from diverse working regions (Middle East and Southeast Asia), positions the research well to capture both the breadth and depth of the issues at hand. The focus on Indramayu District provides a specific and relevant geographical context for understanding reintegration challenges and potential vulnerabilities to radicalization, making a valuable contribution to the literature on migration, gender, and security. The findings presented offer a nuanced understanding of the respondents' engagement with extremist narratives. While the overarching conclusion that most reject violent extremism is reassuring, the identification of significant vulnerabilities among some respondents due to factors like isolation, unmoderated religious exposure via social media, and limited access to support systems is particularly salient. The abstract also highlights that a "small number admitted encountering radical teachings or invitations to join hardline groups," which underscores a tangible risk factor. While descriptive statistics were used, the abstract could be strengthened by offering more specific quantitative data on the 'level of violent extremism' or the proportion of 'vulnerable' individuals, which would enhance the immediate impact and clarity of these critical findings. The study’s ultimate emphasis on gender-sensitive counter-extremism strategies and the crucial role of empowering women stands out as its most significant policy implication. This perspective is essential for developing interventions that are genuinely responsive to the unique experiences and needs of female migrant returnees. The insights from this research are highly relevant for policymakers, community leaders, and NGOs working on preventing violent extremism and supporting returning migrants. The full paper should elaborate on concrete recommendations for strengthening support systems, designing moderated digital literacy programs, and potentially exploring comparative vulnerabilities between FMDWs returning from different regions.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.