Taiwan is one of the main work destinations for Indonesians.
Support for this claim is substantiated by statistics obtained from the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency, which indicate that as of September last year, there were 62,187 Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan.
The number indisputably demonstrates Indonesia’s reliance on Taiwan for the prosperity of its population.
However, there is a notable issue. When migrant workers return to Indonesia, there is a lack of substantial influence exerted by them to compel the Indonesian government to modify its policies regarding Taiwan.
Migrant workers’ limited capacity to exert pressure stems from their preoccupation with re-establishing their life upon returning from Taiwan.
In Indonesia, there are numerous accounts of migrant workers who, upon returning to their home country, struggle to effectively use the earnings they gained while working in Taiwan. Consequently, they find themselves slipping back into poverty.
As a result, their focus on promoting Taiwan might no longer hold the same level of importance in their lives.
However, migrant workers also lack an emotional connection with Taiwan, as their migration to the country is solely driven by economic concerns, with the intention of improving their circumstances.
The Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Indonesia (TETO) and Indonesian alumni of Taiwanese colleges have the potential to enhance the skills and abilities of these migrant workers. They can offer post-work skills training in Taiwan, as a means for migrant workers to maintain economic independence.
Additionally, alumni who hold positions as campus officials in Indonesian universities can provide exclusive scholarship opportunities. This collaboration with TETO can enhance their educational attainment, enabling them to explore alternative professional prospects once they stop working in Taiwan.
I believe that as individuals’ capabilities expand, it would become increasingly effortless for TETO to motivate them to serve as advocates for Taiwan’s public diplomacy in Indonesia.
Contributing to public diplomacy is not a simple task that can be accomplished effortlessly, as it requires a lengthy and methodical progression.
It is crucial for key stakeholders, such as TETO and graduates of colleges in Taiwan, to create initiatives that can effectively benefit former migrant workers.
The potential influence on Taiwan would be significant if former migrant workers possess strong capabilities and develop emotional connections with Taiwan.
For instance, if they express positive views about Taiwan on their social media platforms, a snowball effect could occur in Indonesia, leading to increased positive perceptions of Taiwan.
Indonesian people’s perception of Taiwan is exceedingly favorable, with it being a popular choice for tourism, employment, and even pursuing higher education. If Indonesians move in large numbers, it is conceivable that it would have a highly beneficial effect on Taiwan.
The impact on former migrant workers would be particularly significant due to their extensive residency in Taiwan. Former migrant workers are expected to directly persuade the Indonesian government, with the aim of gradually prompting it to reassess its stance toward Taiwan.
M. Syaprin Zahidi is a senior lecturer in the Department of International Relations at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang and is a doctoral student at Ghazali Shafie Graduate School of Government at the Universiti Utara Malaysia.
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