Volunteer Programs in Indonesia

In volunteering, setting goals is essential for guiding your experience and maximizing its benefits for the organization, the community, and yourself. Take a look at these goals for inspiration:

Invest time in getting to know the community you're serving. This effort will help you be more intentional and effective in your volunteer work.
Take a break from career pressures. Embrace the experience and privilege of volunteering, and allow yourself to appreciate this opportunity.
Appreciate contrasts between home and new environment. Gain valuable insights, embrace cultural diversity, and broaden your perspective by learning from the richness and differences of unique cultures during this experience.

Understand the benefits

From its people to its environment, Indonesia offers an ideal setting for volunteering. Discover these key benefits of volunteering here:

Cultural experience. You’ll get to live in Indonesia and experience its culture and daily life firsthand. It’s a new adventure that will shape and broaden your perspective.
International friendships. Working and hanging out with people from all over can lead to special, lasting friendships that you’ll remember for years.
Professional growth. Even if your volunteer work isn’t directly related to your career, you’ll still pick up useful skills. Things like teamwork, reliability, and various practical skills are valuable in any job.

Things to know

As you prepare for your volunteer experience in Indonesia, keep these basics in mind:

Visa and paperwork. Get familiar with the visa requirements for your program and ensure you have all necessary documents, such as background checks and certificates.
Housing and money. Expect to stay in hostels, NGO accommodations, or with local families. Plan your budget accordingly—Indonesia can be quite affordable compared to many Western countries, depending on the area.
Cultural sensitivity. Respect local customs, including social hierarchies and formal language. Understanding and adapting to Indonesian social norms will enhance your overall experience.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

Trip of a lifetime!

December 03, 2025by: Catherine Christmas - New ZealandProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

10

Absolutely loved the six weeks I had at gili shark conservation, I was kind of worried because six weeks is a decent length of time but I couldn't have been happier, in fact take me back!!! The accommodation was amazing, the hospitality and welcoming attitude from everyone really made it feel like a home away from home. Not only that but the conservation work itself was so fun!!! I really enjoyed cleaning the hex domes and turtle ID dives. 100/10 experience :)

Possibly the best six weeks of my life...

December 03, 2025by: Tommy Dowse - United KingdomProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

9

I arrived at Gili Shark as a kinda shy, mildly awkward human, about to follow a deep love of mine and have a go at a Divemaster Internship. There were a few marine conservation organisations around the world, but none took my interest and faith as much as Gili Shark - and I definitely made the right choice. From day one when I got there, I was greeted with the most welcoming people who give off immaculate vibes to get me settled. The accommodation was amazing, and given that it was my first time sharing a room, I was very lucky to call such a clean and thoughtful environment home. Throughout my programme I learned about more fish than I knew existed, about the ecosystem of the ocean and all that goes into it and how to look after our terrifying but beloved oceans. The instructors, staff and mentors were nothing but encouraging and inspiring (even watching their buoyancy was admiration enough), and helped me boost my confidence. By the end, I was leading dives, briefings and helping to teach new diving students too... If you'd have told me that 6 weeks prior, I'd have laughed at you! Take my word for it if you're considering Gili Shark, you won't regret it.

Trip of a lifetime!

December 03, 2025by: Catherine Christmas - New ZealandProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

10

Absolutely loved the six weeks I had at gili shark conservation, I was kind of worried because six weeks is a decent length of time but I couldn't have been happier, in fact take me back!!! The accommodation was amazing, the hospitality and welcoming attitude from everyone really made it feel like a home away from home. Not only that but the conservation work itself was so fun!!! I really enjoyed cleaning the hex domes and turtle ID dives. 100/10 experience :)

Possibly the best six weeks of my life...

December 03, 2025by: Tommy Dowse - United KingdomProgram: Gili Shark Conservation Project in Indonesia

9

I arrived at Gili Shark as a kinda shy, mildly awkward human, about to follow a deep love of mine and have a go at a Divemaster Internship. There were a few marine conservation organisations around the world, but none took my interest and faith as much as Gili Shark - and I definitely made the right choice. From day one when I got there, I was greeted with the most welcoming people who give off immaculate vibes to get me settled. The accommodation was amazing, and given that it was my first time sharing a room, I was very lucky to call such a clean and thoughtful environment home. Throughout my programme I learned about more fish than I knew existed, about the ecosystem of the ocean and all that goes into it and how to look after our terrifying but beloved oceans. The instructors, staff and mentors were nothing but encouraging and inspiring (even watching their buoyancy was admiration enough), and helped me boost my confidence. By the end, I was leading dives, briefings and helping to teach new diving students too... If you'd have told me that 6 weeks prior, I'd have laughed at you! Take my word for it if you're considering Gili Shark, you won't regret it.