Human-Centered Digital Financial Inclusion and Financial Well-Being among Indonesian Migrant Workers in Malaysia: A Pilot Study of Digital Access, Remittance Practices, and Financial Behavior

Abstract

Migrant workers routinely engage in cross-border financial transactions, yet their access to inclusive and trusted digital financial services remains uneven. This pilot study examines human-centered digital financial inclusion and financial well-being among Indonesian migrant workers in Malaysia by focusing on four dimensions: digital financial access, remittance practices, financial behavior, and financial well-being. A quantitative cross-sectional design was applied using a structured online questionnaire distributed through WhatsApp with the support of the Chairperson of PCI Muslimat NU Malaysia during an international community service activity held at Sanggar Sungai Mulia 5, Malaysia, on April 3–5, 2026. From approximately 50 participants divided into several thematic groups, 13 respondents completed the questionnaire and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation, regression, and moderation analysis. The findings show that remittance is a central financial activity, as all respondents sent money to Indonesia monthly and 76.9% used banks as their main remittance channel. However, digital financial inclusion remained moderate, with 61.5% of respondents having a Malaysian bank account and 61.5% never using e-wallets. Financial behavior and financial well-being were also moderate, indicating limited budgeting discipline, emergency fund readiness, and perceived financial stability. Regression results showed positive but statistically non-significant relationships among digital financial inclusion, remittance practices, financial behavior, and financial well-being. This study contributes by positioning migrant workers not only as remittance senders but also as active financial decision-makers facing digital access, trust, and behavioral constraints. Due to the small pilot sample, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary evidence for future large-scale research.