Indonesia
From Peace Corps Wiki
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US Peace Corps American Overseas Staff (FY2010): FP 03 (Gordonshapkaliska, Joyce, $ 78,505), FP 03 (Vegso, Betsy, A, $ 83,287), EE 00 (Lehman, James, D, $ 123,916), FP 01 (Puvak, Kenneth, A, $ 142,772) Latest Early Termination Rates (FOIA 11-058):
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Peace Corps History in Indonesia
Forty-five physical education Volunteers served in Indonesia from 1963-1964 working with Indonesians in advancing their sports programs. The program was brought to a close in 1965 as a result of political upheaval and concerns for the safety and security of the Volunteers.
In October 2006, the Government of Indonesia invited Peace Corps to send an assessment team to Indonesia for the purpose of reestablishing a program. A full assessment was completed in February 2007 and was followed up with a safety and security assessment in the fall of that year. The respective Governments signed a new agreement regarding the establishment of a Peace Corps program in December 2009.
Living Conditions and Volunteer Lifestyle
Living Conditions Most if not all volunteers will live with host families. Living with host families can initially be challenging however your host families will be integral in exposing and helping you better understand Indonesian culture, customs, and most importantly with community integration.
Peace Corps Staff, in collaboration with the selected school will find living arrangements that meet Peace Corps standards. Prior to site placements, there will be a brief interview in which you can discuss specific requests about your arrangements. All volunteers will live in homes with running water and electricity. You'll be provided with a bed, desk, and dresser. You will be given a small readjustment allowance to purchase any additional items you may need to make your new living situation more comfortable, including money for a bicycle.
Most volunteers will have access small family-operated shops that sell basic amenities, markets, post offices, internet cafes, and some form of public transportation (though that doesn't mean it's consistent).
In the home, it is most common that your host family will provide meals. Most Indonesian homes do not have laundry machines. Laundry will usually be hand-washed by the volunteer, however there are places in most neighborhoods that offer laundry services. As for bathrooms, most volunteers will be using squat toilets and taking bucket baths at least twice per day.
Volunteer Lifestyle
-PCVs receive a comfortable monthly living stipend provided by Peace Corps.
-It is possible for most PCVs to have internet in their homes, however most schools have WiFi.
-Generally most PCVs will come to find that they are living quite well with what they are given.
Pre-Service Training
Pre-Service Training is an intense 10 week program that prepares volunteers to be successful in their final post. Indonesia’s PST consists of cross-cultural, language, TEFL, medical, and safety & security training. Because PC Indo is set up to be a Community Based Training program, trainees live in small villages and receive a large amount of training there. Trainees live with a host family in order to gain access to the language and community quickly and more fully. During PST, trainees are also required to teach at a practicum school (3 weeks) to learn about how Indonesian schools and classes are run. PST for both ID4 and ID5 groups has been in the city of Malang, East Java.
Healthcare & Safety
Peace Corps provides all PCVs with adequate healthcare during training and throughout service. Upon arrival in Indonesia, the Peace Corps Medical Officer will equip you with a medical kit (a list will be posted soon) that can be refilled with anything you need at any time. There is no need to bring basic medicine from the States.
During training and throughout service you will participate in a number of detailed medical and safety sessions that will prepare you a variety of situations.
Cultural and Work-Related Challenges
Diversity of site placements and Volunteers’ personalities guarantees that each PCV has a unique, in-country experience. That said, both staff and Volunteers respect each trainee’s right to “figure out” Indonesia for him or herself, to write his or her own story. The list of “cultural and occupational challenges” included here, then, has been simplified. Its contents target only some of the broadest obstacles we face as Indo PCVs.
Cultural Challenges
- “Jam Karet” (rubber time)
- Conservative dress expectations both in and outside of school
- Lack of privacy
- Lack of independence sufficient to perform everyday chores and activities (more so for women)
Work-Related Challenges
- Frequent, unexpected class cancellations
- Teaching counterparts unaccustomed to participatory learning techniques
- Poorly written textbooks
- Large, multilevel classes
- High expectations from administrators and counterparts
- Limited access to teaching resources (photocopiers, basic supplies, etc.)
Packing List
Advice (will expand in the coming months!): Pack minimally. Don't be too surprised as you will be able to find most things you need in Surabaya. If you need items from a special brand or company, you may have a little trouble but getting items shipped over is not too difficult, though fairly expensive. It is suggested that you buy high quality and durable items in the States as foreign brands can be more expensive overseas.
Before you purchase some major items, be sure to check out discounts that are offered to Peace Corps Volunteers, this can save you a lot of money!
Keep in mind, you have an 80lb weight limit and you will be charged at the airport if you exceed this.
Clothes: Many of you, male and female, will be given a uniform by your school. Knowing this may reduce the amount of “teaching” clothes you feel you need to bring.
- Tailoring is very cheap here, so don’t be afraid to pack lightly for service and plan on having some things made once you arrive.
- Indonesian teachers dress very well; don’t expect to wear t-shirt, jeans, and flip-flops to school.
- Higher-quality clothes which can withstand two years of hand-washing are preferred. You’ll also appreciate clothes made of lightweight and/or fast-drying cloth.
- You can find most clothing you need here, though average (or above) sized Americans may have difficulty and will need to get things made, especially shoes.
- Leather bags or jackets may mold quickly here. It's true.
- Female volunteers comment that women shouldn’t bother bringing anything low cut as you’re unlikely to wear it within your communities.
Useful Links
Current events relating to Peace Corps are also available by country of service or your home state
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