Print media as a migrant advocacy tool: A case of Indonesian language print media in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is listed as one of the most popular countries for Indonesian migrant workers. In 2012, more than 160,000 Indonesian migrant domestic workers (IMDWs) live in Hong Kong, and more than 90% of them are women. Hong Kong is the premium destination for IMDWs because of its moderately higher salaries, good laws and regulations, and its ambience of independence. The IMDWs can also access multiple media platforms, ranging from print media to the Internet. This writing specifically discuss about Indonesian newspaper published in Hong Kong and its relation with migrant activism. The research found that there are four existing Indonesian language newspapers in Hong Kong: Suara, Apa Kabar Plus, Koran Indonesia (KINDO), and Berita Indonesia. Conflicts between newspaper journalists and migrant organizations have affected the newspapers' credibility. The methodology used is ethnography. Fieldwork conducted in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) in 2013, 2014 and 2018. Participant observations, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were conducted in this research. Despite pros and cons regarding the existence of Indonesian print media in Hong Kong, they have undeniably contributed to the capacity development of IMDWs in Hong Kong. Print media have published a variety of news useful for IMDWs, fulfilling their need not only for information, but also for entertainment. Different positions taken by the newspapers provide choices for IMDWs in accessing relevant information for their needs. The activities performed by journalists have also enriched the IMDWs' experience and access to the knowledge that they need outside of their isolated workplaces. The Indonesian print media provides access for IMDWs to news about their surroundings. The newspapers and magazines function not only as a bridge of information to what is happening in Hong Kong, but they also continually inform the IMDW community. This provides genuine evidence of how a diasporic community can communicate through various channels and utilise those channels to strengthen bonds among the migrants.