volunteering activities in indonesia

Category : Adventure | Posted On Jul 07, 2017

Whether coming to Indonesia for a vacation or permanent relocation, one can’t help but admire the country for its rich culture and tradition.

However, despite the beauty the archipelago holds, there are also beautiful yet underprivileged individuals who are in dire need of aid. In addition to giving back to humanity, the scope of these issues may range from social awareness, environmental concerns, animal welfare and so on.

For expatriates who want to pay it forward, lend a helping hand and sharing skills for the greater good, we’ve come up with a list of some volunteering activities. After all, there’s nothing more fulfilling and rewarding than knowing you’ve done something selfless.

However, as mentioned in a previous article written in 2012, bear in mind foreigners are not allowed to volunteer if they do not have a proper working visa.

1. Peduli Anak Foundation

The Peduli Anak Foundation is a non-profit organisation providing residential and family care, medical and healthcare services to hundreds of underprivileged children. As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a completely different culture with underprivileged children and local staff in their homes or schools. You’ll also get to work alongside local staff assisting in the day-to-day running of the foundation and school. Click here for more information about their volunteer programme.

Website: https://www.pedulianak.org/

2. East Bali Poverty Project

The East Bali Poverty Project (EBPP) is a non-profit organisation helping thousands of people living in poverty without water, sanitation, roads, schools, health facilities and electricity in East Bali. It was established in 1998 by a British resident of Bali after an appeal for help by an isolated 7,200Ha mountain village, forgotten by time and progress. The philosophy is ‘helping people to help themselves.’ They can only accept volunteers/interns who enter Indonesia on an EBPP sponsored social/cultural visa. All volunteers should be prepared to commit for a minimum of 2 months – preferably longer. See here for more details.

Website: https://www.eastbalipovertyproject.org/

3. Friends of the National Parks Foundation

Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF) is an Indonesian conservation not-for-profit organisation working to protect wildlife and its habitat, at the same time as supporting local communities. The programmes have been recognised globally by organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme, the Whitley Fund for Nature and the Rainforest Action Network. FNPF was set up 1997 by a group of veterinarians and conservationists. You can choose to volunteer at the Bali Wildlife Rescue Centre (BWRC), on Nusa Penida island in Bali or Kalimantan.

The volunteer programme gives people the opportunity to gain experience in the care of animals as well as in animal conservation. Activities include providing enrichment for the animals, feeding them, cleaning and maintenance of the enclosures and occasionally observing animal behaviour. However, you aren’t allowed to handle the animals. Learn more here.

Website: https://www.fnpf.org/