Potential Discrimination and Coping Strategy Models Implemented by Indonesian Trainees in Japan

Abstract

The Indonesian Diaspora has been active in sending large amounts of remittances. The big contribution was mainly given by TITP trainees from Indonesia. Indonesian TITP trainees in Japan are divided into first-year trainees ( jisshusei) and subsequent-year trainees (kenshusei). Amidst a difficult situation, Indonesian TITP trainees who work in dirty, dangerous, and demeaning sectors also have to face various problems related to discrimination which can increase their stress levels. The researchers examined the potential discrimination faced by the trainees through research conducted on three kenshusei who have returned to Indonesia. The three kenshusei were interviewed using the in-depth interview method. This paper discusses how the three kenshusei solved their problems with the concepts of coping strategies namely: strengthening ethnic identity, seeking social support, and channeling anger. From the results of the study, it was found that the discrimination experienced by those kenshusei could be overcome with 3 models of Brandolo’s coping strategies and 6 other models of coping strategies.


Keywords: TITP trainees, discrimination, kenshusei, jisshusei, coping strategies

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