Empowering Indonesian Migrant Workers through Financial Literacy: A Hybrid Community Engagement Initiative on Shariah Financial Literacy

Abstract

This community engagement initiative focuses on enhancing financial literacy among Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) under the care of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Pre-program assessments revealed varied financial literacy levels among participants, emphasizing the program's necessity. The hybrid approach, combining physical workshops and virtual sessions, maximized engagement, considering diverse participant locations and pandemic-related constraints. Tailored modules covering budgeting, savings, investments, and ethical financial practices showcased significant improvements in post-program assessments. Interactive sessions fostered active participation, and knowledge transfer sessions empowered selected participants as community leaders for sustained impact. Continuous monitoring and evaluation provided insights into program effectiveness, highlighting strengths and revealing challenges like occasional connectivity issues. Overall, the initiative positively influenced participants' financial knowledge, aligning their practices with Shariah principles in future. Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of stakeholders, this initiative signifies a step towards empowering PMI with essential financial skills for a more secure and ethical financial future.