UNU Jogja Faculty of Education Students Contribute to the Education of Indonesian Migrant Workers’ Children in Malaysia

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – Two 2023 students from the English Language Education Study Program at Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), Yulfa Dwi Andini and Widad Zakiya Putri Wijaya, are taking part in educational activities and mentoring programs for children of Indonesian migrant workers (PMI) in Malaysia through the 2026 Social Laboratory (Labsos) program, conducted with permission from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur.

During the program, both students have been involved in teaching and mentoring children at a learning center. Their activities extend beyond classroom learning to include language and cultural introduction, as well as religious practices.

“During our time there, we supported the children in their learning activities and religious practices,” Yulfa said.

In addition to assisting with learning activities, Yulfa and Widad have also organized creative activities to introduce Indonesian culture. These include helping the children prepare a theatrical performance based on the Indonesian folktale Lutung Kasarung and introducing them to batik painting. The mentoring activities are aimed at children aged 7–14.

“Through these activities, we encourage the children to explore Indonesia’s cultural richness while strengthening their connection to the language and cultural identity of their homeland,” Yulfa added.

The students’ involvement forms part of broader efforts to support the education of Indonesian migrant workers’ children in Malaysia through community-based learning centers. Dra. Mimin Mintarsih, manager of the Sungai Mulia Lima Guidance Center and Chairperson of the Special Branch Board (PCI) of Muslimat NU Malaysia, explained that the initiative was established to address the educational needs of children from Indonesian migrant worker families.

During an International Public Lecture titled “Education Beyond Borders: Grassroots Initiatives for the Children of Migrant Workers,” Mimin discussed the development of the learning centers, which involves various stakeholders, including the recruitment and involvement of teaching staff to support educational activities.

“In the learning process, in addition to bringing in teachers from Muslimat NU Malaysia, we also collaborate with various universities in Indonesia to participate in this program, one of which is UNU Jogja,” she said on Monday, November 9.

Through the Sungai Mulia Lima Guidance Center, which operates under the auspices of Sekolah Indonesia Kuala Lumpur, approximately 175 children of Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia have access to learning and educational mentoring activities. The center serves as one of the initiatives to address the educational needs of children growing up in families of Indonesian migrant workers.

Dean of the Faculty of Education (FIP) at UNU Jogja, Dr. Mustaghfiroh Rahayu, emphasized that learning through direct involvement in educational activities is an important part of students’ academic journeys. She noted that opportunities for community engagement and learning extend beyond formal educational institutions.

She further highlighted that students, particularly those preparing for careers in education, have broad opportunities to apply their knowledge and skills in various community settings. Such experiences are expected to broaden their perspectives and foster greater awareness of educational issues.

Meanwhile, Field Supervisor, Harisna Hikmah, said that students’ involvement in educational activities for Indonesian migrant workers’ children in Malaysia provides an opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired at university while gaining a direct understanding of community needs.

“The experience also creates opportunities for students to contribute to the education of Indonesian migrant workers’ children while reintroducing the Indonesian language and culture in a cross-border setting,” he concluded.[]

Reporter: Latifah