Brain drain or brain circulation: exploring scholar views on working abroad in the era of global mobility
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study seeks to understand the causes and obstacles faced by
graduates in the context of brain drain and brain circulation among alumni of Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University Malang. Brain drain describes the migration of educated people to other places, both regions and countries, due to better job opportunities and quality of life. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach by collecting data through questionnaires distributed to 100 alumni from various faculties in 2025. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software with descriptive analysis methods. The findings show that the driving and restraining factors have a significant impact on graduate mobility, with averages of 3.69 and 3.85 (high category), respectively. The main driving factors consist of limited research facilities and career opportunities, while the restraining factors mainly include attractive financial income and international meetings. The study concluded that the brain drain phenomenon can be transformed into brain circulation if there are policies that strengthen research and involve alumni globally.
Article Details
How to Cite
CAHYANI, Adriyanti Regita et al.
Brain drain or brain circulation: exploring scholar views on working abroad in the era of global mobility.
Proceeding of International Conference on Islamic Education (ICIED), [S.l.], v. 10, n. 1, p. 843-852, dec. 2025.
ISSN 2613-9804.
Available at: <https://conferences.uin-malang.ac.id/index.php/icied/article/view/3748>. Date accessed: 03 feb. 2026.
doi: https://doi.org/10.18860/icied.v10i1.3748.
Section
Articles
References
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Bagdanavicius, J., & Jodkoniene, Z. (2008). Brain Drain from Lithuania: the Attitude of Civil Servants. Inzinerine Ekonomika-Engineering Economics, 2(2), 55–60.
Bonilla, K., Echeverría-King, L. F., Serafim, M., MabothAhmad Saufi, R., Aidara, S., Che Nawi, N. B., Permarupan, P. Y., Zainol, N. R. B., & Kakar, A. S. (2023). Turnover intention and its antecedents: The mediating role of work–life balance and the moderating role of job opportunity. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(April). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137945
Bagdanavicius, J., & Jodkoniene, Z. (2008). Brain Drain from Lithuania: the Attitude of Civil Servants. Inzinerine Ekonomika-Engineering Economics, 2(2), 55–60.
Bonilla, K., Echeverría-King, L. F., Serafim, M., Mabotha, T., & Buyuktanir Karacan, D. (2022). Editorial: Engaging scientific diasporas for development: Policy and practices. Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2022.1102805
Chiky Cinta Aprillia, Novita Mayasari, Dafa Aurella, Mujiatin Eka Lestari, Jidan Jabbar Arfat, & Hernanda Wachid Prasetyo. (2025). Analisis Dinamika Pola Mobilitas Tenaga Kerja di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Tren #KABURAJADULU. El-Mal: Jurnal Kajian Ekonomi & Bisnis Islam, 6(6), 2152–2169. https://doi.org/10.47467/elmal.v6i6.7810
Jumantoro, T. R. P., Larasati, A. K. H., Larasati, M. A., & Novemyanto, A. D. (2025). Strategi Penanggulangan Laju Brain Drain Melalui Kebijakan Dual Citizenship Bagi Diaspora Indonesia. Law Jurnal, 6(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.46576/lj.v6i1.6190
Muna Yastuti madrah, Warsiyah, R. P. (2023). The Dynamic of Social Mobility Through Migration and Higher Education a Study on Indonesian Migrant Workers-Students. Atlantis Press SARL. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-028-2
Mustika, M. D. S., Remi, S. S., Fahmi, M., & Setiawan, M. (2022). Analysis of Educational Migration Decision in Indonesia. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 12(6), 226–235. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0158
Nevena Krasulja, Milica Vasiljevic Blagojevic, I. R. (2016). BRAIN-DRAIN –THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE PHENOMENON Abstract. 11.
Pangestoeti, W. (2025). Fenomena #Kaburajadulu: Analisis Dampak Brain Drain Terhadap Perekonomian Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Dan Manajemen, 3(6), 171–177. https://doi.org/10.61722/jiem.v3i6.5083
Santoso, E., Muslihatinningsih, F., & Zainuri. (2022). Brain Drain Indonesia dan Dampaknya Bagi Indonesia. Jae (Jurnal Akuntansi Dan Ekonomi), 7(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.29407/jae.v7i1.17702
Sarjito, A. (2024). Strategi Menahan Brain Drain: Evaluasi Kebijakan Pemerintah dalam Menyediakan Peluang bagi Talenta Muda Aris. 2(3), 321–340.
Todaro 1980. (n.d.). TODARO ’ S MODEL OF MIGRATION.
Yunitasari, D., Khotimah, K., & Fathorrazi, M. (2021). the Implication of Brain Gain on Brain Drain Phenomenon in Overcoming the Problem of Educated Unemployment in Indonesia. Sosiohumaniora, 23(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.24198/sosiohumaniora.v23i1.26749
Yusuf Ikbal, O. (2023). The contributions of study abroad to home countries: an agential perspective. Higher Education, 86(6), 1471–1487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00980-z
Zheng Xinhua, & Anbalagan Marimuthu. (2024). Predictors of Talent Retention among Academicians in Private Colleges and Universities in Yunnan Province. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 4(2), 174–195. https://doi.org/10.58557/(ijeh).v4i2.227
a, T., & Buyuktanir Karacan, D. (2022). Editorial: Engaging scientific diasporas for development: Policy and practices. Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2022.1102805
Chiky Cinta Aprillia, Novita Mayasari, Dafa Aurella, Mujiatin Eka Lestari, Jidan Jabbar Arfat, & Hernanda Wachid Prasetyo. (2025). Analisis Dinamika Pola Mobilitas Tenaga Kerja di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Tren #KABURAJADULU. El-Mal: Jurnal Kajian Ekonomi & Bisnis Islam, 6(6), 2152–2169. https://doi.org/10.47467/elmal.v6i6.7810
Erlisya, V., Aisyah Aulia, Ferik Clodya, Nursyidah, & Wahjoe Pangestoeti. (2025). Fenomena #Kaburajadulu: Analisis Dampak Brain Drain Terhadap Perekonomian Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Dan Manajemen, 3(6), 171–177. https://doi.org/10.61722/jiem.v3i6.5083
Jumantoro, T. R. P., Larasati, A. K. H., Larasati, M. A., & Novemyanto, A. D. (2025). Strategi Penanggulangan Laju Brain Drain Melalui Kebijakan Dual Citizenship Bagi Diaspora Indonesia. Law Jurnal, 6(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.46576/lj.v6i1.6190
Kazlauskienė, A., & Rinkevičius, L. (2006). Lithuanian “Brain Drain” Causes: Driving and Restraining Factors. Engineering Economics, 1(46), 27–37.
Mustika, M. D. S., Remi, S. S., Fahmi, M., & Setiawan, M. (2022). Analysis of Educational Migration Decision in Indonesia. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 12(6), 226–235. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0158
Muna Yastuti madrah, Warsiyah, R. P. (2023). The Dynamic of Social Mobility Through Migration and Higher Education a Study on Indonesian Migrant Workers-Students. Atlantis Press SARL. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-028-2
Nevena Krasulja, Milica Vasiljevic Blagojevic, I. R. (2016). Brain-Drain –The Positive and Negative Aspects of the Phenomenon Abstract. 11.
Oldac, Y. I. (2023). The contributions of study abroad to home countries: an agential perspective. Higher Education, 86(6), 1471–1487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00980-z
Santoso, E., Muslihatinningsih, F., & Zainuri. (2022). Brain Drain Indonesia dan Dampaknya Bagi Indonesia. Jae (Jurnal Akuntansi Dan Ekonomi), 7(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.29407/jae.v7i1.17702
Sarjito, A. (2024). Strategi Menahan Brain Drain: Evaluasi Kebijakan Pemerintah dalam Menyediakan Peluang bagi Talenta Muda Aris. 2(3), 321–340.
Todaro 1980. (n.d.). TODARO ’ S MODEL OF MIGRATION.
Yunitasari, D., Khotimah, K., & Fathorrazi, M. (2021). the Implication of Brain Gain on Brain Drain Phenomenon in Overcoming the Problem of Educated Unemployment in Indonesia. Sosiohumaniora, 23(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.24198/sosiohumaniora.v23i1.26749
Zheng Xinhua, & Anbalagan Marimuthu. (2024). Predictors of Talent Retention among Academicians in Private Colleges and Universities in Yunnan Province. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 4(2), 174–195. https://doi.org/10.58557/(ijeh).v4i2.227
Bagdanavicius, J., & Jodkoniene, Z. (2008). Brain Drain from Lithuania: the Attitude of Civil Servants. Inzinerine Ekonomika-Engineering Economics, 2(2), 55–60.
Bonilla, K., Echeverría-King, L. F., Serafim, M., MabothAhmad Saufi, R., Aidara, S., Che Nawi, N. B., Permarupan, P. Y., Zainol, N. R. B., & Kakar, A. S. (2023). Turnover intention and its antecedents: The mediating role of work–life balance and the moderating role of job opportunity. Frontiers in Psychology, 14(April). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137945
Bagdanavicius, J., & Jodkoniene, Z. (2008). Brain Drain from Lithuania: the Attitude of Civil Servants. Inzinerine Ekonomika-Engineering Economics, 2(2), 55–60.
Bonilla, K., Echeverría-King, L. F., Serafim, M., Mabotha, T., & Buyuktanir Karacan, D. (2022). Editorial: Engaging scientific diasporas for development: Policy and practices. Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2022.1102805
Chiky Cinta Aprillia, Novita Mayasari, Dafa Aurella, Mujiatin Eka Lestari, Jidan Jabbar Arfat, & Hernanda Wachid Prasetyo. (2025). Analisis Dinamika Pola Mobilitas Tenaga Kerja di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Tren #KABURAJADULU. El-Mal: Jurnal Kajian Ekonomi & Bisnis Islam, 6(6), 2152–2169. https://doi.org/10.47467/elmal.v6i6.7810
Jumantoro, T. R. P., Larasati, A. K. H., Larasati, M. A., & Novemyanto, A. D. (2025). Strategi Penanggulangan Laju Brain Drain Melalui Kebijakan Dual Citizenship Bagi Diaspora Indonesia. Law Jurnal, 6(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.46576/lj.v6i1.6190
Muna Yastuti madrah, Warsiyah, R. P. (2023). The Dynamic of Social Mobility Through Migration and Higher Education a Study on Indonesian Migrant Workers-Students. Atlantis Press SARL. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-028-2
Mustika, M. D. S., Remi, S. S., Fahmi, M., & Setiawan, M. (2022). Analysis of Educational Migration Decision in Indonesia. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 12(6), 226–235. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0158
Nevena Krasulja, Milica Vasiljevic Blagojevic, I. R. (2016). BRAIN-DRAIN –THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF THE PHENOMENON Abstract. 11.
Pangestoeti, W. (2025). Fenomena #Kaburajadulu: Analisis Dampak Brain Drain Terhadap Perekonomian Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Dan Manajemen, 3(6), 171–177. https://doi.org/10.61722/jiem.v3i6.5083
Santoso, E., Muslihatinningsih, F., & Zainuri. (2022). Brain Drain Indonesia dan Dampaknya Bagi Indonesia. Jae (Jurnal Akuntansi Dan Ekonomi), 7(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.29407/jae.v7i1.17702
Sarjito, A. (2024). Strategi Menahan Brain Drain: Evaluasi Kebijakan Pemerintah dalam Menyediakan Peluang bagi Talenta Muda Aris. 2(3), 321–340.
Todaro 1980. (n.d.). TODARO ’ S MODEL OF MIGRATION.
Yunitasari, D., Khotimah, K., & Fathorrazi, M. (2021). the Implication of Brain Gain on Brain Drain Phenomenon in Overcoming the Problem of Educated Unemployment in Indonesia. Sosiohumaniora, 23(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.24198/sosiohumaniora.v23i1.26749
Yusuf Ikbal, O. (2023). The contributions of study abroad to home countries: an agential perspective. Higher Education, 86(6), 1471–1487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00980-z
Zheng Xinhua, & Anbalagan Marimuthu. (2024). Predictors of Talent Retention among Academicians in Private Colleges and Universities in Yunnan Province. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 4(2), 174–195. https://doi.org/10.58557/(ijeh).v4i2.227
a, T., & Buyuktanir Karacan, D. (2022). Editorial: Engaging scientific diasporas for development: Policy and practices. Frontiers in Research Metrics and Analytics, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/frma.2022.1102805
Chiky Cinta Aprillia, Novita Mayasari, Dafa Aurella, Mujiatin Eka Lestari, Jidan Jabbar Arfat, & Hernanda Wachid Prasetyo. (2025). Analisis Dinamika Pola Mobilitas Tenaga Kerja di Indonesia: Studi Kasus Tren #KABURAJADULU. El-Mal: Jurnal Kajian Ekonomi & Bisnis Islam, 6(6), 2152–2169. https://doi.org/10.47467/elmal.v6i6.7810
Erlisya, V., Aisyah Aulia, Ferik Clodya, Nursyidah, & Wahjoe Pangestoeti. (2025). Fenomena #Kaburajadulu: Analisis Dampak Brain Drain Terhadap Perekonomian Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Ekonomi Dan Manajemen, 3(6), 171–177. https://doi.org/10.61722/jiem.v3i6.5083
Jumantoro, T. R. P., Larasati, A. K. H., Larasati, M. A., & Novemyanto, A. D. (2025). Strategi Penanggulangan Laju Brain Drain Melalui Kebijakan Dual Citizenship Bagi Diaspora Indonesia. Law Jurnal, 6(1), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.46576/lj.v6i1.6190
Kazlauskienė, A., & Rinkevičius, L. (2006). Lithuanian “Brain Drain” Causes: Driving and Restraining Factors. Engineering Economics, 1(46), 27–37.
Mustika, M. D. S., Remi, S. S., Fahmi, M., & Setiawan, M. (2022). Analysis of Educational Migration Decision in Indonesia. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 12(6), 226–235. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0158
Muna Yastuti madrah, Warsiyah, R. P. (2023). The Dynamic of Social Mobility Through Migration and Higher Education a Study on Indonesian Migrant Workers-Students. Atlantis Press SARL. https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-028-2
Nevena Krasulja, Milica Vasiljevic Blagojevic, I. R. (2016). Brain-Drain –The Positive and Negative Aspects of the Phenomenon Abstract. 11.
Oldac, Y. I. (2023). The contributions of study abroad to home countries: an agential perspective. Higher Education, 86(6), 1471–1487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10734-022-00980-z
Santoso, E., Muslihatinningsih, F., & Zainuri. (2022). Brain Drain Indonesia dan Dampaknya Bagi Indonesia. Jae (Jurnal Akuntansi Dan Ekonomi), 7(1), 42–52. https://doi.org/10.29407/jae.v7i1.17702
Sarjito, A. (2024). Strategi Menahan Brain Drain: Evaluasi Kebijakan Pemerintah dalam Menyediakan Peluang bagi Talenta Muda Aris. 2(3), 321–340.
Todaro 1980. (n.d.). TODARO ’ S MODEL OF MIGRATION.
Yunitasari, D., Khotimah, K., & Fathorrazi, M. (2021). the Implication of Brain Gain on Brain Drain Phenomenon in Overcoming the Problem of Educated Unemployment in Indonesia. Sosiohumaniora, 23(1), 133. https://doi.org/10.24198/sosiohumaniora.v23i1.26749
Zheng Xinhua, & Anbalagan Marimuthu. (2024). Predictors of Talent Retention among Academicians in Private Colleges and Universities in Yunnan Province. International Journal of Education and Humanities, 4(2), 174–195. https://doi.org/10.58557/(ijeh).v4i2.227