Communication in Caring of “Gotong Royong” for the Migrant Workers Children in Danasri Village, Nusawungu, Cilacap District

Abstract

The phenomenon of working across national borders has emerged as a strategic solution to address the growing demand for employment opportunities, particularly in countries with limited job availability. In Indonesia, the placement of migrant workers between the years 2020 and 2023 reached a significant total of 588,972 individuals. While this migration provides economic benefits for families and contributes to national income, it also creates a range of social challenges, particularly concerning the well-being of the children left behind by their migrant parents. These children often face numerous issues related to health, economic instability, social difficulties, and exposure to negative cultural influences. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, gathering data through in-depth interviews with relevant parties. The data is analyzed through a process of data reduction, presentation, verification, and conclusion drawing, using source triangulation to ensure validity. The research findings show that caregiving responsibilities—typically assumed by fathers, grandmothers, or grandfathers—are often insufficient in meeting the emotional, developmental, and social needs of modern children. This is largely because traditional caregivers may lack an understanding of the evolving needs and challenges faced by today’s youth. As a result, this study proposes the concept of Mutual Cooperation care, encouraging active involvement from the broader community in supporting and nurturing the children of migrant workers. Such collaborative care can help bridge the gap in parenting and ensure a more holistic and supportive environment for these vulnerable children.