Bridging Access to Justice for Migrant Workers’ Families in Central Java: A Legal Empowerment Approach

Menjembatani Akses terhadap Keadilan bagi Keluarga Pekerja Migran di Jawa Tengah: Pendekatan Pemberdayaan Hukum

Abstract

Introduction:
While migrant workers contribute significantly to local and national economies, their families often face unresolved legal issues, including labor disputes, debt, inheritance, and access to social protection. These families frequently lack legal knowledge and institutional access.

Purposes:
This study examines how legal empowerment strategies enhance access to justice for migrant workers’ families in Central Java.

Method:
The study uses a qualitative approach based on interviews with migrant workers’ families, community paralegals, NGO staff, and local officials, supported by program documentation.

Findings and Results:
Findings indicate that legal empowerment improved legal literacy and dispute-resolution capacity among families. Community-based paralegals effectively facilitated mediation, administrative advocacy, and referrals. However, gendered power relations and limited institutional responsiveness constrained outcomes.

Urgency:
Improving access to justice for migrant families is urgent to prevent social vulnerability and rights violations.

Contribution:
This research broadens the scope of migrant justice studies by focusing on family members left behind.

Recommendation:
The study recommends expanding legal empowerment programs and integrating them into local governance systems.