Volunteering in Indonesia: Sports, Impact & Adventure!

Ready for an adventure that really makes an impact? Join our sports coach project in bustling Semarang, Indonesia, and help underprivileged children discover the joy of sports! 🏆

Accommodation: Guest house
Location: Indonesia
Category: Sport and fitness
Language: English, English, English
Season: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Minimum duration: Min. 1 month

About the project

Daya Krida Indonesia (The Power of Sport) is a grassroots project founded by Dutch organization "The Power of Sport" to combat exercise poverty in Semarang's disadvantaged communities. Located in northern Semarang, many children have limited access to quality sports and physical education after school. The project works directly with local schools and communities, supported by sports students from Semarang University who help bridge cultural gaps while improving their English skills. This creates a perfect learning environment for everyone involved. What makes this program special is the sustainable approach - you don't just visit, you build lasting change by establishing structured sports programs that continue long after you leave. The project is "Volunteer Aware" certified, emphasizing genuine commitment to noble causes rather than voluntourism. With Indonesia's natural sporting talent (especially in badminton where they dominate internationally), your role is to provide structure, tactical knowledge and development of life skills through sport.

What you bring

Passion for sports (soccer, volleyball, badminton or rugby)
Experience in coaching or playing your chosen sport
Enthusiasm for working with children and teens
Ability to communicate in English
Adaptability and cultural sensitivity
A willingness to live in shared accommodations
Positive patient attitude and team spirit
Desire to make a difference in disadvantaged neighborhoods

What you do

Coach soccer, volleyball, badminton or rugby to children in disadvantaged neighborhoods
Develop training sessions focused on skills tactics and rules
Work with local university students to bridge cultural differences
Improve children's physical health while building their self-confidence
Learn important life skills through sports
Help promote sports as a positive outlet for local youth
Participate in cultural weekend excursions throughout Indonesia

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What you get

A four-week stay is €800 and includes:
Beautiful accommodation.
Airport/train station pick-up and drop-off Semarang.
Carriage to the projects.
Breakfast and lunch.
Indonesian language lessons
Introduction and (historical) tour upon arrival.
Free VOG.
A designated coordinator.
Regular social events and common activities with other volunteers and interns
Visa advice and support
Access to the group app with all other volunteers/interns traveling at the same time.
Contact details of your coordinator to get acquainted in advance

What you don't get

International flights to Indonesia
Travel insurance
Visum fees (if required for your nationality)
Dinner and snacks
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Optional weekend cultural trips (extra cost)
Vaccinations required for Indonesia
Activities during Ramadan period and school vacations when program is adjusted

Program fees

Duration	Per Week	Total
4 weeks	€212.50	€850
5 weeks	€206	€1,030
6 weeks	€201.67	€1,210
7 weeks	€198.57	€1,390
8 weeks	€196.25	€1,570
9 weeks	€194.44	€1,750
10 weeks	€193	€1,930
12 weeks	€190.83	€2,290

Program availability: April 03, 2025 - October 31, 2026

Flight and airport

Flight to Semarang's Ahmad Yani International Airport or Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta (then domestic connection). Pick-up service included from Semarang airport and train station. Consider arrival on recommended arrival weekends for group orientation and introductory activities.

Visa

Most visitors can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days or get visa-on-arrival. For longer stays, apply for B211 visa. Check current requirements for your nationality. Ensure passport validity 6+ months from arrival date.

Free time

Weekends unlock Indonesia's incredible cultural treasures! Join unique cultural tours to hidden gems not found in any travel guide - these adventures are designed to support local communities while providing authentic experiences. Explore historic sites around Semarang with local guide Muhammad Yogi Fajri, who was featured in Dutch documentary 'Indonesia Roept' and speaks multiple languages. Between organized trips, stroll through vibrant local markets, sample incredible street food, or relax at nearby cafes and restaurants within walking distance of your villa. The program includes regular social events with other international volunteers, creating lifelong friendships. During customized program periods (Ramadan, school vacations), enjoy various activities while still experiencing authentic Indonesian culture. Your free time becomes cultural immersion - whether learning Indonesian with evening language classes, exploring colonial architecture, or just chatting with local people who enjoy practicing English with international volunteers. Every moment outside coaching becomes part of your Indonesian adventure!

Activities

Sightseeing

Sports

Hiking

Cycling/Biking

Shopping/Souvenirs

Beach

Swimming

Museum/Opera

A typical day

Your adventure begins with breakfast in the modern villa before heading to local schools or sports fields for your coaching sessions. Spend about 3 hours training enthusiastic kids ages 6-13, focusing on your chosen sport while learning rules, tactics and life skills. The intensity is high but rewarding - these kids are naturally talented and eager to learn! Work alongside Indonesian university sports students who help translate and bridge cultural gaps while improving their English. After practice, enjoy lunch and perhaps take Indonesian language classes with a professional tutor (20 hours included). Evenings are spent relaxing with fellow international volunteers, sharing stories and planning weekend adventures. The community quickly embraces you, making you feel like a local celebrity! Five days per week are dedicated to coaching, leaving plenty of time for personal exploration, language practice, or just enjoying the tropical atmosphere of this vibrant Indonesian city.

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April 11, 2025