Volunteering Indonesia

The climate in Indonesia is tropical, with a consistent annual temperature of about 27° Celsius. However, depending on the altitude and the island, the temperature varies. For example, in the mountains of Lombok (z.B. Tetebatu) only warms up to 10° Celsius at night. It can often get a bit chilly during the monsoon (rainy season) as well. Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands and is the largest island nation in the world. Most of the projects are located on the island of Java, home to more than half of Indonesia's population. In the project you have direct contact with the local population and can really immerse yourself in Indonesian culture.

Bahasa Indonesia

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language in Indonesia, which is usually taught in elementary school. Outside Indonesia, it is spoken in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Netherlands and the U.S., among other countries.
According to the 2001 Indonesian census, however, Indonesia is home to a total of nearly 360 different peoples – so the languages spoken are just as diverse. In the Indonesian archipelago alone, between 200 and 350 different regional languages are spoken. The most important are Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese. And although today schools teach mainly in Bahasa Indonesia, it is important to remember that Indonesian is actually the second language of every Indonesian. A large part of Indonesians still speak their regional language (especially in remote areas). You learn the language much better in direct contact with your work colleagues, your host family or your friends than in a language school, because you learn the everyday vocabulary and can communicate directly with the local population!

Cultural Diversity

Indonesia has been influenced and shaped by a variety of cultures. Thus, in Indonesia you can find influences of Asian cultures like China or European ones like the Netherlands. In particular, the Netherlands, which from the 17. The Indonesian people, who extended their supremacy in Indonesia in the nineteenth century, were able to maintain themselves as a colonial power until the end of the Second World War. In 1945 Indonesia proclaimed independence, which was finally accepted by the Netherlands in 1949. Indonesia is one of the world's. 200 million Muslims (equivalent to about 88% of the Indonesian population) the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. Nevertheless, Islam is not the state religion. However, all inhabitants of the island state must profess one of the 5 world religions (Islam, Christianity (Catholic and Protestant), Buddhism, Hinduism or Confucianism). In Indonesian culture, especially music and dances are very important, reflecting the different influences. Depending on the region, there are sometimes great differences between the individual islands. You will get to know the respective peculiarities directly in your host family – they will familiarize you with their festivals and customs.

Food in Indonesia – more than just rice

Eating and drinking in Indonesia is a way of expressing the cultural bond between the different religions. Sambals play an important role in Indonesian cuisine – a thick, chili-based seasoning sauce that is traditionally served in small bowls as a spicy garnish for vegetables, chicken, fish and rice.
The staple food is primarily rice, in all possible variations. Meat is often served with it (v.a. Fish and chicken or bakso, meatballs) Vegetables, tofu and tempeh.

Tempe is a type of fermented soybean cake and has a pleasantly mild, nutty and mushroomy flavor. In the rural areas of Indonesia, tempeh is a valuable and inexpensive source of protein for the population; in the cities, cookshops offer fried tempeh in a multitude of variations as a light but nutritious snack.

Soundful places: Java, Jakarta.

The starting point of many trips to Indonesia will certainly be the island of Java with its capital Jakarta, which is always worth a visit due to its size and diversity.
Worthwhile is also Bali, the island of the gods. Although the island, especially Kuta, is flooded by mass tourism, the Monkey Forest and the beautiful rice terraces in Ubud are always worth a visit. Our local partner organization will certainly have some tips about places that are unknown to most tourists. This is how you get to know Indonesia in a very individual way.

You will find a huge diversity of plants and animals in Indonesia. For example, there are orangutans on Borneo and thousands and thousands of species of fish and marine mammals in the sea. In the rainforest there are also rare plants like orchids.