Volunteer in Indonesia

Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago state, made up of an astounding 17,508 islands in Southeast Asia. Securing its independence after World War II, Indonesia has continued in its important role as a trade region, which dates back to the seventh century. Since declaring independence, Indonesia has been turbulent, with challenges posed by natural disasters, corruption, separatism, a democratization process, and periods of rapid economic change. Two monsoon seasons (rainy and dry) determine Indonesia’s climate for the year, with predominately warm temperatures except in the mountains. Hot springs, exotic animals, and beautiful rock formations leave little for volunteers to want in this magnificent country.

United Planet is the US and Canadian partner of the International Cultural Youth Exchange, or ICYE. As a volunteer in Indonesia, you will be hosted by Dejavato, ICYE’s Indonesian partner organization. Dejavato was started in an effort to promote education and social welfare throughout the region when Indonesia’s government was unable to meet the needs of the residents here.

United Planet also offers mid-term (4 weeks to 16 weeks) volunteer programs in Indonesia.  Learn more about all of our volunteer programs in Asia.

Volunteers help with tutoring, supervising children, and helping with children’s daily activities. Volunteers can organize games to help learn English, organize sports, or other enriching activities. Volunteers are needed to assist teachers with general class supervision as well as being involved in extracurricular activities such as cooking lessons, computer class, music, handicraft, English lessons, and more.

Volunteers work in local community centers with a variety of possible tasks such as teaching English, assisting local families in tasks on their farm or ranch, and organizing cultural activities for the community.

Volunteers assist English language teachers in schools ranging from kindergartens to universities. Volunteers are also asked to contribute to activities organized by the schools. In village schools where funding is limited, volunteers may be asked to assist local staff with repairing the facilities with projects such as cleaning or painting.

Volunteers have the opportunity to assist patients from disadvantaged economic backgrounds in local public health clinics. Additionally, volunteers may assist doctors and nurses in organizing medical checks for the local community. Please note that volunteers will be required to provide proof of medical school attendance or of medical practice.

Stand close to the edge of rock ledges and get sprayed by the ocean’s mist, otherwise known as “the Devil’s Tears.” If you stay until the end of the day, this is a great spot to watch the sunset.

Visit the Taman Safari in Bogor and see wild animals like zebras, elephants, and hippos roam around.

Relax in the hot springs on Marisa Island or explore the rest of the lake by boat. Lake Ranau is famous for its fish, so make sure to try some while you are there.

Indonesia is a very diverse country with over 350 different cultural and ethnic groups. Take advantage of the opportunity to visit one of the many villages in Indonesia and see the traditional village crafts, food, and customs.

• Extensive pre-departure preparation, including a training weekend in New Hampshire with United Planet staff or online
• Food and lodging in your host country
• Airport transfers
• Emergency medical insurance
• In-country orientation upon arrival and ongoing support and supervision throughout your Quest
• Language training
• Mid-year camp (for 1 year volunteers) and final camp
• Monthly stipend for incidental expenses

• 18 – 30 years old
• Citizen or resident of the United States or Canada

• Volunteers are responsible for booking and covering the cost of their own flights (including pre-departure training).
• Volunteers will obtain the necessary visas with support from our Long-Term staff to volunteer in their host country.