Many tourists have fallen in love so deeply with Indonesia that their attachment inspires them to contribute. Others are just motivated by the goodness of their spirit to make a positive change in the beautiful archipelago. If you’re one of them, follow your kind heart and discover the best places to volunteer in Indonesia.
Teach English in Bali
Balinese people are the sweetest, and they live on the awe-inspiring island that makes teaching English hardly seem like work. Dedicating your time in the tropical paradise while catching a glimpse of local life, making friends, and contributing to their education sure ticks many boxes in just one visit. Since they live in a popular tourist destination, English skills can help the Balinese a lot in their daily activities, work, and even business. Organisations such as can connect volunteers with underprivileged children in Bali; you will see how dedicating just a bit of your time to helping them can really changes your life too.
Contribute to Eastern Indonesia’s literacy
The eastern part of Indonesia is still much less developed than the major cities in the west, be it in infrastructure or education. Taman Bacaan Pelangi (Rainbow Reading Garden) seeks to distribute reading materials to Eastern Indonesia by establishing children’s libraries on remote islands and promoting the joy of reading. Volunteers can choose to fly all the way to the remote islands to teach basic literacy courses and to help manage the libraries or simply help collect, pack and transport books from Jakarta to the remote areas. The foundation can also develop a customized itinerary for volunteers and consult on how you can help according to your abilities and availability.
Orangutans in Borneo
As the world’s lung, Borneo (or Kalimantan in Indonesian) is covered with a lush tropical jungle, making it an ideal habitat for a varied biodiversity, including the adorable orangutan. Unfortunately, due to the changing environments and other threats, many of the wild species need assistance, including the newborns. OFI offers a chance for everyone to help orangutans; volunteers can help with the nursing, treat the orangutans medically, do small construction tasks, or organize events, campaigns, and fundraisers.
Sea turtles in Bali
On different parts of the island of Bali, hundreds of sea turtles need special attention in order to recover from injuries caused by fishing or tourism activities. Volunteers are called to care for the turtles and release them back to the sea where they belong. Bali Sea Turtle Rescue also has a conservation center where volunteers are needed to nurse new hatchlings until they are ready to survive in the wild. The people at the center will train and educate the volunteers, and there is something to do for everyone, including children.
Conserve threatened habitats in Sumatra
For ages, the flourishing rainforests of Sumatra have sustained the lives of wild species, including endemic birds, rhinos, orangutans, tigers, and more. Everyone is welcome to help preserve this nature—see to its cleanliness and protect it from illegal logging and other harmful production activities through strategic ways. Volunteers will have a wonderful experience spending time in the untouched nature, helping perform wildlife patrols, planting more vegetation, educating others, and helping with campaigns. Many organizations arrange this kind of activity; you can try Sumatra Rainforest Institute for a rounded, strategic program that covers all fronts from flora and fauna rehabilitation to education and awareness programs.
In the end of any project you are going to feel that you have some real friends in Indonesia that will not forget your priceless help that changed their life. You should wait for an invitation for staying up for some time or even attend to a Bali wedding. This is how they are going to show you that you are part of their family.