EVERYDAY PRECARITIES AND SYSTEMIC EXPLOITATIONS: INDONESIAN MIGRANT WORKERS IN SARAWAK'S PALM OIL INDUSTRY

Abstract

The Malaysian palm oil industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy but faces a critical labor shortage, particularly in Sarawak, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and migration barriers. These include policy restrictions, tightened border controls, travel bans, and ongoing bureaucratic and immigration hurdles limiting foreign labor inflow. Indonesian migrant workers, many undocumented, make up a significant share of the plantation workforce. This study examines the role of undocumented Indonesian labor in mitigating labor shortages in Sarawak’s palm oil sector, focusing on the systemic challenges they face. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 15 undocumented workers and 5 key informants, this qualitative research highlights the legal, social, and economic vulnerabilities that lead to exploitation and poor working conditions. Findings reveal complex migration patterns, the dominance of male workers in physically demanding roles, and the gendered division of labor that limits women's participation. The study offers critical insights into the lived experiences of Indonesian migrant workers in Sarawak and calls for policy reforms to improve labor protections. By centering Sarawak, this study contributes to broader discourse on migrant labor in Malaysia, especially in under-examined regions.