Key Recommendations to Enhance Education for Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia

During the 33rd Lunch Talk at UIII’s Faculty of Education on September 24, 2024, M. Arif Rahman Hakim PhD offered several important recommendations aimed at addressing the educational challenges faced by Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia. Dr. Hakim, a scholar in residence at UIII and a graduate of Universiti Sains Malaysia, presented his suggestions based on the current state of education access and existing programs for migrant workers.

One of the key recommendations was the need to expand the number and types of Sanggar Bimbingan Belajar (community learning centers) in Malaysia. Currently, there are 17 such centers, which offer alternative education to migrant workers. Dr. Hakim proposed extending the education level offered at these centers to Package C, which is equivalent to a senior high school diploma. “This would allow more migrant workers and their children to pursue higher education while still living abroad,” he said. 

Another suggestion was to design evaluation and accreditation standards for these community centers. Dr. Arif emphasized that formalizing quality standards for the education provided by these institutions would ensure consistency and effectiveness across all centers in Malaysia. 

Additionally, Dr. Arif recommended implementing more short competency courses for migrant workers. These programs, which focus on providing specific skills and knowledge, could be further developed through collaborations between Indonesian community organizations in Malaysia and the National Professional Certification Agency (BNSP). This partnership could help workers acquire professional certifications, enhancing their employability both in Malaysia and upon their return to Indonesia. 

Throughout the talk, Dr. Arif highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration between the Indonesian Embassy, Indonesian community organizations, and educational institutions in Malaysia. These efforts have already contributed to establishing formal schools, offering undergraduate degrees, and supporting volunteer teachers. However, further action is required to meet the growing demand for education among migrant workers, many of whom express a strong desire to continue their studies despite their challenging circumstances. 

By implementing these recommendations, Dr. Arif believes that Indonesian migrant workers will have better access to education, thereby improving their quality of life and contributing to their long-term economic and social well-being. 

Dr. M. Arif Rahman Hakim is currently a research fellow at UIII's Faculty of Education, where he continues his work on advancing educational access for underrepresented communities, such as Indonesian migrant workers. Holding a PhD from Universiti Sains Malaysia, his academic expertise and ongoing fellowship at UIII enable him to bridge the gap between academic research and practical solutions, as reflected in his efforts to address the educational challenges of migrant workers in Malaysia.

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