The Growing of Multiculturalism in Taiwan: The Challenges and Future with the Increase of Muslim Indonesian Migrant Workers

Yumitro, Gonda

Assistant Professor

2019

Taiwan Fellowship Scholar

Field of Study：

No：

Date：2019/9/23

This paper examines the growth of multiculturalism in Taiwan as the effect of the increase of Muslim Indonesian Migrant Workers. Previously, Taiwan had limited interaction with the other world; however, during the development of its economics as a new industrial country, Taiwan has opened the opportunity for foreigners to come and work as migrant workers. Among those who were coming are the Muslim Indonesian migrant workers which steadily increase to struggle for a better life in Taiwan. The methodology of the research used were literature reviews, observations, and interview. After researching for around six months, it is found that Taiwan is a multicultural society which has struggled for multiculturalism since long time ago. The significant progress happened after the passing of immigration policy and permitted within the country, inviting more migrant workers to come, including the Muslim Indonesian migrant workers. The factors supporting the increase of Muslim Indonesian migrant workers were influenced by Taiwan as well as Indonesia which mutualism needs each other. However, there are still some challenges remain such as language issues and the potential of identity clashes. Fortunately, the assimilation effort through government policies and the spirit of respects and tolerance from both sides of Indonesia and Taiwan would give better chance for the rise of multiculturalism in Taiwan.