This study examines the challenges faced by children born to Indonesian parents working as migrant laborers in Malaysia, particularly in the palm oil plantation sector. These workers have lived in Malaysia for decades, often reluctant to return to Indonesia due to the stability of their jobs and lives there. Ironically, many neglect or overlook their Indonesian citizenship status and lack official documents, such as Malaysia’s resident identification card (IC Residen). This absence directly impacts their basic rights, including access to education, healthcare, and welfare.

These children, born and raised in Malaysia, grow up without being taught about their Indonesian identity, resulting in a weak sense of nationalism and emotional detachment from their heritage. However, their ambiguous legal status leaves them marginalized—they are neither recognized as Malaysian citizens nor emotionally or culturally connected to Indonesia. Labeled as apatrides (stateless persons), they navigate life in uncertainty, denied justice and belonging.

Through an autoethnographic approach integrating the personal experiences of the researcher, Johan Johar Mulyadi, a former attaché in Tawau, Malaysia, and life histories of the diaspora, this paper explores the harsh realities of this community. The findings highlight systemic injustices, urging Indonesia and Malaysia to create inclusive policies that secure these children’s rights and futures.