From Social Bonds to Digital Support: Turning Community Solidarity into Economic Opportunities for Former Female Migrant Workers
Puspita Wulandari, Muhammad Retsa Rizaldi Mujayapura, Moh Dede, Dwi Arief

1,2,3,4 Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

Abstract

Former female migrant workers often face various challenges in developing businesses after returning to their hometowns. Although communities of former female migrant workers generally have strong social bonds and solidarity, this social capital has not yet been fully transformed into sustainable economic opportunities. This study aims to analyze how the solidarity among former female migrant workers transforms into digital support practices capable of creating collective economic opportunities and strengthening community resilience after migration. This study employs a qualitative approach using a case study method focused on the Community-Based Organization (CBO) Ibu Tin Berseri in Tinumpuk Village, Indramayu Regency. Data were collected through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis. The findings reveal that digital media serve not only as a promotional tool but have also evolved into a collective support mechanism that strengthens a shared sense of ownership over the community^s business. Economic products are not marketed in the name of individuals but rather in the name of the group, so members voluntarily help one another promote community products through Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms. Furthermore, differences in age and digital literacy do not lead to competition or social exclusion but instead foster collaborative learning. This study shows that community solidarity plays a key role in transforming social capital into economic opportunities while strengthening the digital resilience and inclusion of women who are former migrant workers.

Keywords: community solidarity, female former migrant workers, economic opportunities, digital support, community resilience

Topic: Digital Power, Social Capital, and Inclusive Resilience: Interrogating Gender and Inequality in Technologically Mediated Societies (Digital Power- Social Capital- Inclusive Resilience)