Volunteering in Surabaya

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Surabaya. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.

Volunteering is an excellent way for expats in Surabaya, to engage with the local community, make new friends, and contribute positively to society. Not only does it provide a sense of purpose, but it also offers a unique opportunity to learn about Indonesian culture and improve language skills. Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, presents a variety of volunteering opportunities catering to different interests and skills.

Surabaya GreenAction

Surabaya GreenAction is dedicated to environmental conservation and education. They organize regular cleanup events, tree-planting activities, and workshops to raise awareness about sustainability. Volunteers can participate in these events or help with planning and coordination. The time commitment varies, with events typically lasting a few hours and planning meetings held once a week.

Website: surabayagreenaction.org
Location(s): Various locations in Surabaya
Time Commitment: Varies (events and meetings)

Yayasan sayap ibu

Yayasan Sayap Ibu focuses on supporting and empowering women and children in need. They provide educational programs, skills training, and health services. Volunteers can assist with teaching, organizing workshops, or providing administrative support. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities ranging from a few hours a week to more long-term projects.

Website: sayapibu.org
Location(s): Surabaya and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Flexible (a few hours a week or more)

East Java English Club

East Java English Club is a community initiative that aims to improve English language skills among local residents. Volunteers can help with teaching, conversation practice, and organizing cultural exchange events. The club meets weekly, and volunteers can choose to participate based on their availability.

Website: eastjavaenglishclub.org
Location(s): Various locations in Surabaya
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week

Surabaya Animal Lovers

Surabaya Animal Lovers is a volunteer-driven organization that focuses on animal rescue, care, and adoption. Volunteers can assist with feeding and caring for animals, organizing adoption events, or providing administrative support. The time commitment varies, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: surabayaanimallovers.org
Location(s): Surabaya and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies (regular and occasional opportunities)

Yayasan Bina Sejahtera

Yayasan Bina Sejahtera is a non-profit organization that supports underprivileged communities through education, health, and economic empowerment programs. Volunteers can assist with teaching, community outreach, fundraising, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities for both short-term and long-term involvement.

Website: binasejahtera.org
Location(s): Surabaya and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Flexible (short-term and long-term opportunities)

Surabaya Heritage Society

Surabaya Heritage Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Surabaya. Volunteers can assist with research, documentation, organizing events, or guiding tours. The time commitment varies, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: surabayaheritage.org
Location(s): Various locations in Surabaya
Time Commitment: Varies (regular and occasional opportunities)

Yayasan Peduli Sesama

Yayasan Peduli Sesama focuses on supporting individuals with disabilities through education, therapy, and vocational training. Volunteers can assist with teaching, therapy sessions, organizing workshops, or providing administrative support. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities ranging from a few hours a week to more long-term projects.

Website: pedulisesama.org
Location(s): Surabaya and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Flexible (a few hours a week or more)

Surabaya Red Cross

Surabaya Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency response, health services, and community development programs. Volunteers can assist with first aid, disaster preparedness training, community outreach, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, with opportunities for both regular and occasional volunteering.

Website: palangmerahsurabaya.org
Location(s): Surabaya and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies (regular and occasional opportunities)

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
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