Volunteering in Lombok: Content Advocate

Highlights

  • Document inspiring stories of grassroots initiatives, from mangrove restoration to women-led businesses and nature school programs
  • Collaborate with local changemakers to capture and share sustainable development efforts through video, photography, and written content
  • Develop social media posts, blog stories, reels, and mini-documentaries to amplify rural voices
  • Support SDG campaigns focused on climate action, gender equality, and inclusive livelihoods
  • Strengthen the visibility of community-based conservation and eco-tourism in Lombok
  • Immerse yourself in authentic cultural experiences while exploring the natural beauty of coastal and inland Lombok

About the program

This program invites volunteer storytellers to use their creative skills to promote sustainable development and conservation through media. Hosted by Bale Nara Lombok, the initiative empowers local communities through visibility, capturing their efforts to protect ecosystems, empower women, educate children, and build resilience.

As a volunteer, you will visit field sites and collaborate with project leaders, photographing daily activities, recording interviews, and publishing multimedia content. Your work will strengthen outreach and inspire future volunteers and donors. The program combines cultural immersion with purpose-driven storytelling to create a meaningful impact.

Typical day

The typical day of a volunteer is flexible and can be tailored to their interests.

  • Morning: Travel to project sites (mangrove areas, eco-villages, nature schools); film interviews and community action
  • Midday: Enjoy a traditional Indonesian lunch and begin backing up footage or writing drafts
  • Afternoon: Edit photos or video clips, draft blog posts or social captions, and publish content on assigned platforms
  • Evening: Join team meetings or reflect on the day’s experiences; some evenings may include community events

Especially suitable

  • Photographers, videographers, and writers seeking meaningful content work
  • Aspiring journalists and digital storytellers with an interest in sustainable development
  • Creatives who want to contribute to grassroots change and eco-tourism
  • Volunteers interested in environmental education, local entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment

Requirements

  • Strong interest in storytelling (photo, video, or writing)
  • Prior experience with cameras, video editing, or social media publishing
  • Enthusiasm for sustainability, equity, and culture
  • Respect for and adaptability to local cultural and religious customs
  • Must bring a camera or smartphone capable of high-quality media production
  • Ages 18–45, solo travelers only
  • Must be from outside Indonesia; EU passport or U.S. visa/citizenship preferred
  • Must have valid travel insurance
  • Volunteer introduction video

Free-time activities

  • Explore Lombok’s rural villages, beaches, and cultural markets
  • Join coral reef restoration projects at Gili Nanggu
  • Participate in donation-based weekend activities like surfing, scuba diving, cooking classes, and digital literacy sessions
  • Visit local waterfalls, rice paddies, and traditional Sasak communities
  • Enjoy downtime with your host family or new volunteer friends

Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation from Lombok International Airport to the project site. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a full orientation to your role, daily schedule, cultural norms, and safety guidelines.

This program is available year-round with a minimum two-weeks stay and preference for 4 weeks. Flexible schedules can be arranged based on project needs and volunteer availability.

  • Accommodation: Private room in a host family home
  • Meals: Daily breakfast included
  • Creative Equipment Use: Workspace, basic internet access, and support from local coordinators
  • Certificate: Issued upon successful completion
  • Access to kitchen: You may cook additional meals on your own
  • Flights and Transportation: Volunteers cover their travel to Lombok and local transportation (including airport transfers and scooter rental)
  • Travel Insurance: Must be arranged by each volunteer
  • Visa and Vaccination Fees: All immigration and health-related costs are the participant’s responsibility
  • Personal Expenses: Includes souvenirs, snacks, and extra meals
  • Accommodation: Extra lodging outside scheduled program dates is not included
  • Medical Expenses: Volunteers must cover their own health costs
  • Recreation and Tours: Activities like surfing or scuba diving are not included but may be arranged independently
  • Lost or Damaged Equipment: Volunteers are liable for their own gear and any loaned materials
  • Scooter Rental: Available but not covered in the program fee
  • Incidental Expenses: Any unlisted costs or personal purchases

Registration

Program Fees

$350$1.400

Learn More