The Reintegration Experiences of Young Indonesian Returnees in a Globalizing World
Abstract
This study, The Reintegration Experiences of Young Indonesian Returnees in a Globalizing World, examines
differences in communication styles, message interpretation, and attitudes between Indonesians living abroad and
those in Indonesia. As globalization drives migration and cultural exchange, understanding intercultural
communication nuances becomes increasingly vital. The research explores reintegration challenges faced by
returning Indonesians, emphasizing shifts in communication dynamics, conflict management styles, and emotional
experiences. Using a qualitative approach based on Cultural Communication Theory, in-depth interviews were
conducted with individuals who have lived both overseas and in Indonesia. These interviews reveal how cultural
identity evolves through expatriate experiences, significantly influencing interpersonal communication.
Participants shared narratives highlighting notable changes in self-construal and interaction styles upon
returning. The study identifies key differences as potential sources of misunderstandings and conflicts when
reengaging with local communities that have evolved in their absence. The findings illustrate the complex
interplay between cultural context and individual identity, offering insights into the emotional aspects of
reintegration.This research contributes to intercultural communication discussions while providing practical
recommendations for individuals, families, and organizations to facilitate smoother transitions. Ultimately, it
promotes a deeper understanding of cultural adjustment, fostering greater tolerance and harmony within
Indonesian society.
Keywords4 Cultural Reintegration; Inter-Cultural Communication; Indonesian Returnees
References
Adani, S., & Cepanec, M. (2019). Sex differences in early communication development: behavioral and
neurobiological indicators of more vulnerable communication system development in boys. Croatian
Medical Journal, 60(2), 1413149. https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2019.60.141
Alam, Md. K. (2020). A systematic qualitative case study: questions, data collection, NVivo analysis and
saturation. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, 16(1), 13
https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-09-2019-1825
Barnum, C. M. (2021). Usability Testing Essentials (2nd ed.). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2018-0-01372-
Benet‐Martínez, V., & Haritatos, J. (2005). Bicultural Identity Integration (BII): Components and Psychosocial
Antecedents. Journal of Personality, 73(4), 101531050. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-6494.2005.00337.x
Boltivets, S. I. (2024). Global Content of Mental Culture of Childhood. Mental Health & Human Resilience
International Journal, 8(1), 134. https://doi.org/10.23880/mhrij-16000239
Bradshaw, C., Atkinson, S., & Doody, O. (2017). Employing a qualitative description approach in health care
research. Global Qualitative Nursing Research, 4, 138.
Brett, J. M., & Okumura, T. (1998). INTER- AND INTRACULTURAL NEGOTIATION: U.S. AND JAPANESE
NEGOTIATORS. Academy of Management Journal, 41(5), 4953510. https://doi.org/10.2307/256938
Caputo, A., Ayoko, O. B., Amoo, N., & Menke, C. (2019). The relationship between cultural values, cultural
intelligence and negotiation styles. Journal of Business Research, 99, 23336.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.02.011
Dawadi, S. (2020). Thematic Analysis Approach: A Step by Step Guide for ELT Research Practitioners. Journal
of NELTA, 25(132), 62371. https://doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v25i1-2.49731
de Groot, B., Leendertse, W., & Arts, J. (2024). Collective Learning in Project-Oriented Organisations in
Infrastructure Planning: Interaction for Adaptation. Public Works Management & Policy, 29(3), 4153445.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1087724X231200816
Doyle, L., McCabe, C., Keogh, B., Brady, A., & McCann, M. (2020). An overview of the qualitative descriptive
design within nursing research. Journal of Research in Nursing, 25(5), 4433455.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987119880234
Geeraert, N., Ward, C., & Hanel, P. H. P. (2022). Returning home: The role of expectations in re-entry adaptation.
Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, 14(3), 9493966. https://doi.org/10.1111/aphw.12361Hartley, C., Coffee, P., & Abhyankar, P. (2022). Provider-recipient perspectives on how social support and social
identities influence adaptation to psychological stress in sport. Frontiers in Psychology, 13.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.940747
Heyes, C., Bang, D., Shea, N., Frith, C. D., & Fleming, S. M. (2020). Knowing Ourselves Together: The Cultural
Origins of Metacognition. In Trends in Cognitive Sciences (Vol. 24, Issue 5, pp. 3493362). Elsevier Ltd.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2020.02.007
Hui, C. H., & Triandis, H. C. (1986). Individualism-collectivism: A Study of cross-cultural researchers. Journal
of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 17, 2253248.
Jack, D. C. (1991). Silencing the self: Women and Depression. Harvard University Press.
Jack, D. C. (1999). Silencing the self: Inner dialogue and outer realities. In T. Joiner & J. C. Coyne (Eds.). In
Interactional nature of depression (pp. 2213246). American Psychological Association.
Jung, E. (2011). Identity Gap: Mediator Between Communication Input and Outcome Variables. Communication
Quarterly, 59(3), 3153338. https://doi.org/10.1080/01463373.2011.583501
Kabir, N. A., & Kabir, N. (2007). Why I Call Australia
https://doi.org/10.5204/mcj.2700
Kaufman, P., & Feldman, D. A. (2004). Forming identities in college: A sociological approach. Research in
Higher Education, 45, 4633496.
