Despite being a beautiful country, Indonesia is still a country with so much scope for development. It’s not only about the high poverty rate, but also about other social and environmental issues.
In view of this situation, many expatriates are interested to lend a helping hand during their time in Indonesia. There are many ways for expatriates to help, and for many groups fundraising and cash donations are the best ways. Some also can use skilled volunteers to work as English teachers or provide professional service such as medical care or even construction.
Here are several NGOs and volunteer opportunities you can check out:
Alam Sehat Lestari
Alam Sehat Lestari program is localized only in West Borneo, Indonesia. The NGO works to protect Gunung Palung National Park and the communities around the border. Highly skilled teams of volunteers are needed to help the program. Medically trained volunteers are in high demand to assist local physicians in their rural clinic, but other experts are also welcomed. It is recommended for volunteers to commit at least 6 weeks to join the program. Being a volunteer at Alam Sehat Lestari also allows for a unique experience of living at the rural area in Indonesia with all of its limitations.
Click here to see the current volunteer opportunities at Alam Sehat Lestari.
ProFauna
ProFauna is a large nonprofit organization with a global network, working for the protection of forest and wildlife in Indonesia. Volunteer opportunities are open at their Petungsewu Wildlife Education Center (P-WEC) in Malang, East Java. Anyone can join the volunteering program to help with making education materials, promote wildlife and forest conversation to local schools and communities, or teach English and any other skills to ProFauna’s staffs and workers.
Click here for more information about volunteer opportunities at ProFauna.
East Bali Poverty Project
This NGO is helping thousands of people living in abject poverty without water, sanitation, roads, schools, health facilities and electricity in East Bali. Foreign applicants with social or cultural visa can apply for either volunteer or internship. Each volunteer is expected to commit for minimum 2 months (or longer) to help the people of East Bali.
More information here.
Yayasan Rama Sesana
Yayasan Rama Sesana is a non-profit organization providing free education programs and donation-based health services focusing on sexual and reproductive health of women in Bali. Occasionally, Yayasan Rama Sesana hosts volunteers to support their work in various works, including assistance at Yayasan Rama Sesana fundraising events.
Click here to download the application form.
Friends of the National Parks Foundation
Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF) is an Indonesian NGO working to protect wildlife and its habitat, at the same time also supporting local communities. You can join as volunteer on their Wildlife Rescue Center in Nusa Penida, Bali or Kalimantan. Click here for more info about how you can get involved on FNPF’s programs.
More about volunteer opportunities in Indonesia, click here.
