STRENGTHENING FINANCIAL LITERACY OF INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKERS IN PENANG THROUGH A PARTICIPATORY CONSULTATION APPROACH
Abstract
This community service activity was conducted on August 9, 2025, in Penang, Malaysia, to enhance the basic understanding of financial management among Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI). The event was attended by approximately 100 participants and focused on six key topics: cash flow monitoring, budgeting and planning, debt and credit management, smart investing, cost control, and long-term financial management. The implementation method involved personal consultations and group discussions using a participatory approach, supported by visual educational media. The results showed that most participants were not accustomed to recording expenses or preparing budgets and remained vulnerable to consumptive debt and informal financial practices. Nevertheless, participants demonstrated high enthusiasm, began drafting savings plans, and desired to manage their finances more systematically. The consultation sessions encouraged participants to share personal financial issues openly and generated solutions tailored to their specific contexts. This activity indicates that financial education for migrant workers will be more effective if delivered dialogically, gradually, and oriented toward their real needs while living abroad.
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References
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