Cross-Cultural Communication in the Interaction between Migrants and Local Communities: Challenges of Social Integration

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamics of cross-cultural communication between migrants and local residents and examines the challenges that emerge during processes of social integration. A qualitative case study approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of subjective experiences and communicative practices. Fieldwork was conducted in the densely populated urban settlement of Johar Baru District, Central Jakarta, selected for its high cultural heterogeneity and continuous inflow of migrants, which intensifies everyday intercultural interaction. Twelve informants seven migrants and five local community actors were purposively chosen based on their direct engagement in cross-cultural encounters and their reflective capacity to articulate communicative experiences. The findings reveal that perceptual barriers and cultural bias significantly obstruct effective communication, while equitable communicative adaptation contributes to more harmonious social relations. The study recommends strengthening cultural literacy, fostering inclusive communication strategies, and establishing sustainable intercultural dialogue forums. These insights offer theoretical, practical, and academic contributions to advancing social integration policies and managing cultural diversity in urban communities.