Interested in Volunteer Abroad?Start Your Search
volunteer in indonesia

Why Volunteer in Indonesia?

Published on January 12, 2024

Indonesia bursts at the seams with diverse landscapes, animals, and cultures. With more than 60% of its land covered in lush green rainforests, it’s even been affectionately nicknamed “Emerald of the Equator!” So, why volunteer in Indonesia?

Unfortunately, this 17,000+ island nation needs help rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife species, conserving environments, and addressing socioeconomic issues. Your contribution as a volunteer is crucial in helping this megadiverse country overcome challenges.

You could also choose to aid natural disaster relief efforts, dive into marine conservation, pave new opportunities for others by teaching English, comfort others with social work, lend a hand with health care—the possibilities are endless!

Plus, enjoy sunbathing on sun-kissed beaches, exploring ancient temples, and digging into aromatic dishes! Stay tuned for a dozen reasons to volunteer in Indonesia that will help you answer: Should I volunteer in Indonesia?

Is it possible to volunteer in Indonesia for free?

person on grass near mountain and clouds

See for yourself what makes Indonesia so special.

You may be wondering if you can volunteer in Indonesia for free. Most programs help with making all the arrangements for volunteers, so they’ll need your financial support in the form of a fee. Most program fees don’t cover the cost of airfare.

[Get Travel Insurance For Indonesia with Luma]

The good news is that Indonesia is one of the more affordable countries, especially when it comes to food, accommodation, and transportation. Some program fees are as low as $400 for one week or $600 for two weeks, and those fees often include accommodation, meals, airport pick-up, support, and sometimes charitable donations and excursions. Score! Check out FundMyTravel.com to help raise funds for your meaningful travel endeavors.

Plus, with some volunteer programs in Indonesia, you may be able to get a return on your investment by earning academic credits or valuable internship experience! While you need to foot some costs, the trade off is your contribution will help make a difference, and you’ll have an unforgettable meaningful travel experience.

[Enjoy a 10-Day Study Abroad Experience in Bali with Asia Exchange]

12 reasons to volunteer in Indonesia

So, why volunteer in Indonesia? Let us count the ways!

1. Make a difference in any field that interests you.

Whether you’re interested in the arts, sports, health, human rights, or just about anything else, Indonesia could use your help in a variety of areas. You’ll find more than 60 volunteer programs alone on GoAbroad.com. And your passion for a cause that’s calling your name plus your support makes for an even better contribution for everyone involved!

2. Watch your dollar stretch further.

While you may not be able to volunteer in Indonesia for free, once you’ve landed here, you’ll get more bang for your buck. Dishes at local restaurants typically cost $2 to $4 per meal, most transportation passes are only $10 to $12, and most one-bedroom apartments are $200 to $600 a month. It’s no wonder many people become interested in expat life in Indonesia!

3. Explore a tropical wonderland while making an impact.

smiling person wearing hat and scarf standing on mountain surrounded by clouds

When you’re not off doing meaningful work, you can fill your time with awe-inspiring hikes.

From Komodo National Park to the Ponot Waterfall, you’ll find oodles of jaw-dropping natural wonders throughout Indonesia. Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, climb Mount Rinjani, or snorkel the crystal blue waters of Weh Island. With 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, thousands of mountains, and endless beaches, adventure awaits around every corner.

4. Empower impoverished communities.

Your presence matters. Your contributions matter. By showing up and getting involved, you have the power to help grow a child’s confidence, support humanitarian or conservation efforts, increase access to education in rural areas, or rebuild a community after devastation from a natural disaster. Your support can help open up many new opportunities.

5. Develop valuable skills for your resume.

You’ll pick up several skills from your hands-on experience in Indonesia—no matter which program you choose. Get ready to add intercultural communication skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork, time management, and adaptability to your skill set. Not to mention having international volunteer experience always looks good on a resume!

6. Make new friends in a hospitable environment.

In general, you’ll find Indonesians to be quite friendly. In fact, they have over 1,300 ethnicities, welcome more than 6 million tourists a year, and their national motto is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which translates to “unity in diversity.” So there’s a good chance you’ll make new lifelong friends from both near and far!

7. Become a better version of yourself.

During your time volunteering abroad in Indonesia, you’ll overcome many challenges, learn more about the environmental and socioeconomic issues this country faces, and realize the importance and impact of your contributions. Along the way, you’ll become more resilient, empathetic, and self-aware. Needless to say, your stint abroad will cultivate personal growth in new ways that you never expected!

8. Experience a medley of cultures in one place.

Indonesia’s unique geographical position in Southeast Asia between the Indian and Pacific Ocean made it a crossroads for trading routes. Influences from countries such as China, Malaysia, India, the Middle East, European countries, and other countries led to a fusion of traditional arts, religious practices, architecture, and cuisines. Get ready to experience a cultural kaleidoscope like never before while volunteering here!

9. Sunbathe, surf, snorkel, and scuba dive to your heart’s delight.

many fish swimming over coral reef

There’s an adventure for everyone around these miles of coastline.

With more than 61,000 miles of coastline, Indonesia’s a dream come true for beachgoers. Catch some rays on the golden shores, wind your way through rainbows of coral reefs, and go with the flow on a surfboard. You’re bound to get some Vitamin Sea one way or another during your time volunteering there!

10. Help protect and conserve Indonesia's environment.

Indonesia ranks as the second-most biodiverse country in the world. In fact, an estimated 17% of all the world’s wildlife live here—around 300,000 wildlife species—and 10% of the world’s flowering species live here too. Unfortunately, deforestation, natural disasters, and other environmental threats run rampant. So your volunteer help is critical in helping preserve the flora and fauna.

11. Tingle your taste buds with drool-worthy dishes.

From satiating satay to delectable fried rice, Indonesia offers a large array of palate-pleasing dishes. You’ll also love the tangy tropical drinks and sweet coconut desserts as much-deserved treats after any day of volunteering. The variety in foods alone adds a special a la carte experience to your time in Indonesia!

12. Choose from a variety of places to volunteer.

Whether you’re looking for more cosmopolitan or country surroundings, you have plenty of places to choose when you volunteer in Indonesia. Soak in the beauty of Bali, shop until you drop in the capital city of Jakarta, immerse yourself in a biodiverse rainforest in rural areas, or pick from so many other options that await your presence.

If you’re wondering “Is it safe to volunteer in Indonesia?” as you choose your destination, for the most part, it is. It’s still a good idea to exercise caution with your health and belongings.

Talk to our FREE Online Advisor and get matched with 5 volunteer programs in Indonesia

4 volunteer programs in Indonesia to get you started

Now that you know all the game-changing reasons to volunteer in Indonesia, are you ready to get started? Check out these programs:

1. Volunteer in Indonesia with World Endeavors

world endeavors logo

  • Why? From helping protect endangered sea turtles to teaching English to little ones, World Endeavors offers a variety of volunteer programs in Indonesia to match your goals! You could even learn to cook traditional Balinese food, tour the famous Pura Tirta Empul, try your hand at a Batik painting, and more with their Culture Week program! Plus, meals, housing, medical support, and program support are included.
  • Where? Bali
  • Read World Endeavors reviews

2. International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ): Volunteer in Construction and Renovation in Bali

ivhq logo

3. GoEco: Indonesia - Education and Community Work in Bali

goeco logo

  • Why? GoEco’s a top notch volunteer organization, and this is one of their most popular programs for those who love kids! As a volunteer for this program, you’d be helping prepare kiddos ages 2 to 5 prepare for primary school or help teach English to kids ages 7 to 11. You’ll have opportunities to explore the island—watch a traditional dance, take an art class, or tour a temple!
  • Where? Bali
  • Read GoEco reviews

4. Pacific Discovery: Australia & Bali Gap Year Semester

pacific discovery logo

  • Why? Need to take some time off from your studies? With this program, you’d get the best of both worlds—the fulfillment from volunteer service and the excitement from adventure travel! As a volunteer, you’d take part in marine conservation projects and help local food rescue organizations. Enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation with a yoga retreat in Bali where you’ll want to na-ma-stay forever!
  • Where? Bali
  • Read Pacific Discovery reviews

Can’t pick? Sign up for MyGoAbroad and compare these programs side-by-side for FREE

Bali, Jakarta, Makassar, and more—volunteer in Indonesia!

four jumping children in green grass with ball in the air above them

Why volunteer in Indonesia? Because whether you’re working with kids or conserving nature, you’re sure to make a difference here!

Now you know the answers to “Why should I volunteer in Indonesia?” and “Is it safe to volunteer in Indonesia?” You have the power to make a positive lasting difference for any cause you choose, from rebuilding communities to conserving habitats. Once you get a taste of what life is like here, you may even be interested in expat life in Indonesia. Plus, in a country that celebrates cultures from around the world, you’ll no doubt expand your global horizons too!

Look for the Perfect Volunteer Abroad Program Now

Start Your Search

Related Articles

Read All Articles
A volunteer teaching English to children
woman carrying seagrass harvest in basket on her head off island coast in indonesia

Popular Searches