The impact of the economic crisis on international migration: The case of Indonesia

The severe and long crisis that hit Indonesia has affected many facets of the country's life, including migration into and from Indonesia. The paper describes the worsening of economic conditions in Indonesia, which may last until at least the end of 1998. Emigration pressures on both the skilled and unskilled labor force will keep rising. The paper argues that leaving out market forces in the government policies of Indonesia as well as those of the host countries are only likely to lead to illegal migration. The main recommendation of the paper is to have a comprehensive liberalization policy which considers market forces in the larger context of international relations. The issue of out-migration from Indonesia should be seen simultaneously with the entry of international labor, trade and capital to Indonesia.