International Journal of Accounting & Finance in Asia Pasific
Vol 9, No 2 (2026): June 2026

Financial Literacy, Inclusion, and Behavior: Impacts on Economic Sustainability of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Sabah

Muhammad Agusalim (Universitas Terbuka)
Efraim Bavo Priyana (Universitas Terbuka)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Jun 2026

Abstract

Indonesian Migrant Workers (IMWs) contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances; however, limited financial capability often constrains their long-term economic sustainability. This study aims to examine the effects of financial literacy and financial inclusion on economic sustainability, with financial behavior acting as a mediating variable among IMWs in Sabah, Malaysia. A quantitative survey approach was employed using proportionate cluster random sampling. Data were collected from 398 respondents and analyzed using SPSS and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with AMOS. The results reveal that financial literacy significantly influences economic sustainability (b = 0.116; p = 0.037), while financial inclusion shows a stronger direct effect (b = 0.552; p 0.001). Financial behavior also significantly affects economic sustainability (b = 0.333; p 0.001). Furthermore, financial behavior significantly mediates the relationships between financial literacy and economic sustainability (b = 0.062; Sobel = 2.466) and between financial inclusion and economic sustainability (b = 0.167; Sobel = 3.470). These findings highlight the importance of strengthening financial capability and inclusive access to financial services to enhance the long-term economic resilience of IMWs.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJAFAP

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

IJAFAP aims to feature narrative, theoretical, and empirical-based research articles within the abovementioned fields. The journal welcomes articles relating to the current issues of financial decision making as well as its impact on society. IJAFAP carries out the mission to feature narrative, ...