Volunteering in Indonesia

Contribute in making a real change on important global issues

A vast archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a land of contrasts—fiery volcanoes and peaceful seas, crowded cities and distant plantations, modern high-rises and crumbling temples, Komodo dragons and countless tropical birds, young people on scooters wearing brightly-colored sarongs and batik shirts. More than 300 ethnic groups and cultures, with dozens of languages, different social and cultural backgrounds with European, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences make up the unique society of Indonesia.

People in Indonesia enjoy socialize in big groups. Sports are popular in Indonesia, especially soccer, badminton and pencak silat (a traditional form of martial arts). Want to build and fly kites? This is the place to do it!

 

Experience Volunteering in Indonesia

DSC08504

Our Stories

“I found volunteering with Go Global Indonesia to be a unique experience. The program that I was on welcomed me and showed me the inticracy of Indonesian culture. For anyone considering volunteer work abroad, I highly recommend it.”

—Nikolaj Otto Spliid,

Help Underpriviledged Youth Program Indonesia

Host Family

A photo posted by samiraiele (@samiraiele) on

Host Family & Community

Expect to attend regular gatherings with extended family. Elders are highly respected and make sure you consult your host parents before making any major decisions. Being a member of the greater community is also important and Indonesians tend to feel indebted to their community, their mosque or their professional organization. Communication styles in Indonesia tend to be indirect. In fact, there are twelve different ways of saying “no” in the Bahasa Indonesian language.

Community Service

Community Service

You will be volunteering at a community service project which runs from Monday to Friday. You will have the weekend off. The working hours typically occur from 8 AM – 4 PM, although certain projects may start earlier or later. Go Global Indonesia offers various community service programs, from environmental conservation, community empowerment, youth development, and cultural preservation. During your free time, you can explore the local sights and experience traditional arts and culture!

A photo posted by samiraiele (@samiraiele) on

Language

A photo posted by samiraiele (@samiraiele) on

Language

Although there are more than 583 ethnic-languages and dialects used daily in the country, the official language is Bahasa Indonesia. Having a basic knowledge of English will help. Go Global Indonesia offers language lessons and will send language study materials prior to the program.

Food

Food

Indonesian cuisine combines indigenous techniques and ingredients with influences from India (curries), the Middle East (kebabs), China (stir-frying) and Europe, including products brought by Spanish and Portuguese traders before the Dutch colonized the islands. Cooking varies widely by region so food can be very spicy or sweet. Fish, coconut and chilies served with rice is a staple. The main meal in Indonesia is usually lunch or dinner and communal cooking with designated roles and hierarchies at the table are common.

A photo posted by samiraiele (@samiraiele) on