Writing Across Borders: Indonesian migrant women workers’ stories from Malaysia

Indonesian women constitute nearly 80% of Malaysia’s foreign domestic workforce, a statistic underscored by a troubling history of abuse cases within the sector. This has strained diplomatic relations, prompting Indonesia to impose moratoriums on its citizens’ employment as domestic workers in Malaysia. The migratory journey and experience of Indonesian workers in Malaysia is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural ties between the two nations and their people, connected by the concept of “serumpun”(of the same root). Engaging with the idea of “Inter-Asia migration”, this paper examines the literary writings and essays produced by the Indonesian migrant women workers themselves, who adopt the perspective of “perantau” (those seeking livelihood overseas) to narrate their lives and experience in Malaysia. Through writing from below, the women writers assert their agency, boldly expressing their desires and imaginings while grappling with the difficult articulation of subjectivity shaped by their labour, race, gender, and nationality. By sharing these stories, they not only write back against victimisation narratives but also invite readers into their lifeworld. The stories underscore the transformative power of writing as a means of empowerment and mutual understanding.