RELIGION AND THE FEMALE INDONESIAN DOMESTIC WORKERS

Abstract

Religion is often mentioned as an aside rather than an explicit central feature of migration (Silvey, 2007). This research looks at how Indonesian domestic workers regain their identity and agency as Indonesian Muslims through the production of a 'third space' via 'lived religion'. As live-in domestic workers, the definition of public and private is more complex for these women. The lack of access to space has made it difficult for them to perform their role as Muslims and to relive the experience of “home”. The ‘third space’ acts as a coping mechanism for these domestic workers to overcome their temporary status.

Interviews were conducted with 22 Indonesian domestic workers, eight employers and an officer from a religious organisation. Site visits and participant observations at relevant sites were also conducted to study the research subject in their natural environment.