Beyond Remittances: Nafaqah, Labour Migration, and Relational Responsibility in Sustaining Family Harmony in Indonesia

Ridwan Malik; Ibnu Qurrota Ayun; Hasan bin Juhanis

doi:10.55849/attasyrih.v12i1.577

Authors

Ridwan Malik Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
Ibnu Qurrota Ayun Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
Hasan bin Juhanis Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55849/attasyrih.v12i1.577

Keywords:

nafaqah, labour migration, migrant husbands, family harmony, relational responsibility

Abstract

Labour migration is frequently adopted by rural families as a strategy to improve household economic security, yet husbands’ prolonged physical absence may simultaneously affect marital relationships, parenting, and emotional well-being. This study examines the fulfilment of material and non-material family responsibilities by migrant husbands and their implications for family harmony in Kaliwuluh Village, Kepil District, Wonosobo Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative field-research design with a case-study approach was employed. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation involving 15 wives of migrant husbands, supplemented by contextual information from local community figures. The findings show that material nafaqah generally contributed to the fulfilment of food, clothing, housing, education, health, and daily household needs. However, geographical separation also reduced direct paternal involvement, increased wives’ household responsibilities, and generated emotional challenges including longing, misunderstanding, suspicion, and decreased marital closeness. Family harmony was better maintained when financial provision was accompanied by regular communication, affection, trust, religious guidance, shared responsibility, and continued emotional involvement. The study concludes that material provision is necessary but insufficient for sustaining migrant families. Family harmony depends on the interaction between economic provision and continuing relational responsibility across geographical distance.

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