Distribution Patterns and Factors Affecting the Selection of the Destination Country of Indonesian Migrant Workers of Lampung

Abstract

─Lampung Province is one of the provinces in Indonesia that sends many workers abroad. The efforts to send workers abroad are part of international migration which is motivated by unfavorable conditions in the area of origin and better conditions which are considered favorable in the destination country. This study aimed to produce a study of the distribution pattern and factors that influence the selection of destination countries for Indonesian Migrant workers from Lampung. This study used a qualitative approach. This approach is intended as an analytical understanding process based on an empirical paradigm to investigate how the distribution patterns and factors influence the selection of migrant workers destination countries from Lampung in 2015-2020. The research results showed that the most popular destination countries among migrant workers from Lampung are Taiwan, followed by Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam. The main factors that drove migrant workers to work abroad are limited access and employment opportunities in the country and higher salaries abroad. Socio-cultural factors that influenced the selection of destination countries for immigrant workers from Lampung are the similarity of language and culture that are still allied, the presence of friends or relatives who have previously worked abroad (chain migration), and the friendliness and respect of the local population towards migrant workers. Security factors that influenced the decision to select the destination country include social security and good health in the workplace, local government services that are fast and reliable, as well as ensuring security and order. Meanwhile, other factors that influenced the selection of the destination country are uncomplicated work requirements and migrant worker's interest in technological advances in the destination country.