Medical Volunteering in Indonesia

I first dipped my toes into volunteering in 2017 when I took a position as a nurse in Skopje, North Macedonia with Project Hope.  (You can read about that here!).  While this has been my only experience with volunteering, I want to highlight other volunteer opportunities for nurses and medical professionals around the world.

I recently spent two months traveling through Indonesia and not only do I think it’s an absolutely incredibly country, it’s a country that I hope everyone has the chance to visit in their lifetime.  So, if you’re a nurse or medical professional reading this – take this as an opportunity to spend time volunteering in the country and then extending your stay so that you can experience the beauty of Indonesia.

 

If you’re planning to visit Indonesia, don’t miss…

• How to Spend One Day in Ubud
• The Best Nusa Penida 2 Day Itinerary
• The Best Packing List for Indonesia
• 10 of the Best Things to Do in Gili Air
• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Indonesia
• Is Nusa Lembongan Worth Visiting?  A Complete Guide!
• The Ultimate 10 Day Indonesia Itinerary – Island Hopping Edition

 

Please note:  I’ve done my best to research and vet these companies.  Please be aware of scams when inquiring about volunteer positions.  Also, I do note condone certain types of volunteer work that hinders the community instead of helping the community.  I have strictly included these companies in this post because they are reputable companies and have an aspect of medical need.

 

Organizations to Volunteer with in Indonesia

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders is a well-known NGO throughout the world that provides relief to communities in need.  From 2018-2022, Doctors Without Borders was working in Jakarta with local schools and health centers to strengthen connections between the two.  The main goal was to provide quality healthcare for adolescents.

Most recently, Doctors Without Borders has been involved in Indonesia since 2022 when a 5.0 magnitude earthquake hit West Sumatra.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum availability of 9 months (8-12 weeks for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OBGYN’s)
• Previous experience working in a low income setting
• 3 years of experience for nurses (2 years for doctors)
• Experience in a leadership role
• Ability to work and live with a diverse team

 

1.  doctorSHARE

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT INDONESIA | VOLUNTEER HERE

doctorSHARE focuses on helping with challenges related to health crisis’s.  The goal is to aid people in recovery so that after their health crisis, they can return to normal life again.  Unfortunately, a big portion of rural Indonesia has limited access to healthcare so doctorSHARE aims to bridge the gap and provide healthcare to those without access.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 7 day commitment

 

2.  Global Nomadic

LOCATION:  BALI | VOLUNTEER HERE

Global Nomadic was founded in 2009 with the goal of getting people to travel more, while also positively impacting local communities.  The founder believes that real change happens when people find purpose in life-enhancing opportunities, and focuses on investing in the future to sustain a positive world.

In Bali, volunteers will focus specially on educating the local community on health initiatives such as first-aid and personal hygiene.  Volunteers with experience will also have the opportunity to assist in the local clinic with children and adults.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 2 week commitment
• Financial commitment
• Must be 18 years old
• Police background check
• English speaking
• Necessary vaccinations
• Travel and medical insurance (get here)

 

3.  Hands With Heart

LOCATION:  BALI | VOLUNTEER HERE

Hands with Heart Foundation provides free healthcare to children and adults with disabilities and limited access to healthcare.  The foundation originally identified needs in both Bali and Costa Rica, but are working on expanding.  Volunteers specifically aid in daily care, education, support for families, and training local therapists.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• 10 day commitment
• Volunteer travel insurance

 

4.  Project Hope

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT INDONESIA | VOLUNTEER HERE

Project Hope has had a presence in Indonesia since 1960 and currently focuses on tuberculosis, maternal and newborn health, mental health, infection control and prevention, disease surveillance, and humanitarian assistance.  Project Hope’s goal is to improve access to quality health services by education Indonesia’s health care workers while also providing humanitarian assistance when needed.  Since 2018, Project Hope has had a presence in seven regions across Indonesia.

As of March 2024, Project Hope is currently not recruiting new volunteers in Indonesia but needs rapidly change so make sure to keep an eye out.

 

5.  United Planet

LOCATION:  THROUGHOUT INDONESIA | VOLUNTEER HERE

United Planet is a non-profit organization and is the US and Canadian partner of the International Cultural Youth Exchange.  The program in Indonesia was developed in an effort to promote education and social welfare throughout Indonesia when the government was unable to meet the needs of the residents.  As a volunteer, you will be assisting patients from disadvantaged economic backgrounds in local public health clinics.

Please note:  United Planet does require a payment to volunteer, which may not be the case for other programs listed above.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• 18-30 years old (upper limit flexible)
• Citizen of the US or Canada
• $300 non-refundable deposit to volunteer (this will be applied to your program once you join)
• Provide proof of medical school or medical practice

 

General Requirements for Volunteering in Indonesia

Below you’ll find the requirements you’ll need in order to volunteer in Indonesia….

• 60 day social/cultural visa (you are not permitted to volunteer on a tourist visa)
• Minimum of 18 years of age
• Potential need to show proof of onward flight (i.e. proof that you plan to leave the country before your visa expires)

 

Indonesia Essentials – What You Need & Needs to Know About Visiting Indonesia

 

If you feel called to work as a medical volunteer, Indonesia is an incredible country to do so.  If you have any questions about traveling through Indonesia or what to expect, let me know in a comment below!

 

For volunteer opportunities in other countries, don’t miss…

• Medical Volunteering in Malaysia
• Medical Volunteering in the Philippines
• Medical Volunteering in Peru
• Medical Volunteering in Vietnam
• Medical Volunteering in Cambodia
• Medical Volunteering in Thailand
• Medical Volunteering in Laos

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.