Navigating careers of academic diaspora: The challenges and opportunities for Indonesian scholars in Malaysian universities

This article examines the experiences of Indonesian scholars at Malaysian universities. Research on this topic, especially in Southeast Asia, is limited. Unlike studies that analyze micro, meso, and macro perspectives separately, this paper combines these levels, emphasizing the meso (social network) perspective as a key link between individual choices (micro) and public policy (macro). Using semi-structured interviews with 23 Indonesian scholars and a review of existing literature, this article investigates their reasons for moving to Malaysia, their career development, and their prospects for success. The findings indicate that, although these scholars are motivated to advance their academic careers in Malaysia, they face short-term contracts, job insecurity, and obstacles to obtaining professorial positions. Furthermore, their chances for career growth are primarily dependent on social networks. Two main career paths emerge: early-career scholars may leave for jobs in Singapore and Australia, while mid-to senior-career scholars may transfer to other Malaysian universities. Returning to Indonesia seems unlikely due to the country's complicated bureaucratic procedures. Overall, the meso perspective is crucial for linking individual actions with broader structural factors.