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Indonesia

Compassion partnership began 1968

EST. 1968

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Halo! When you arrive in Indonesia, you’ll be stepping onto one of over 17,500 islands. From volcanoes to terraced rice fields and coral reefs, you’ll be swept away by the diversity of this nation. In its neighbourhoods, or kampungs, you’ll experience the same diversity, meeting people who value family, celebration and prayer.

Population

283 M

Capital city

Jakarta

Local time

Current Weather

, 0°C

Distance to Australia

5,456 km
In Indonesia, growing up in poverty means facing life without electricity, safe water or reliable roads. Families are vulnerable to natural disasters which push them deeper into poverty. With poor infrastructure limiting children from safely accessing good education or work, it is hard to dream of a future beyond everyday survival.

Poverty in Indonesia

2.5%
of people live in extreme poverty
12%
of the population lacks access to basic sanitation facilities
2 in 5
people are vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters

Yet God's Church is on the move in Indonesia. In neighbourhoods facing infrastructure gaps, local churches are building facilities like toilets and computer labs. With access to education through remote learning and income generating activities, youth are reaching adulthood with doors open to them.

Compassion in Indonesia

722
local church partners
157,816

children supported

2,639

babies and their mums supported

Impact in action

Oka, Compassion graduate

Change is happening across Indonesia. After graduating from the Compassion program, Oka gave up a well-paying job as a graphic designer to go back and serve in his home village. Continuing the legacy of his hardworking father and generous sponsor, he is helping youth at his old child development centre create better futures.

“I remember life was hard back then. As a schoolteacher, my father’s income was not great. One way the program has impacted me deeply in my life is in knowing that there was a benevolent stranger, living far away, who willingly spent their money just to sponsor me.”
Oka, Compassion graduate

Move with us in Indonesia

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Help end poverty for a child

Pray that God will make a way for youth to be able to attend university, and that God will open doors for those who are finishing their studies.

Pray that God will provide for families during seasonal changes, especially those who rely on rain for their daily water and agricultural work.

Pray that children will receive the nutrition they need to grow and develop well.

Pray for protection and provision for children, families and staff that are affected by the frequent and damaging weather events in Indonesia.

Pray that the political situation in Indonesia will be stable.

Pray for your neighbours

Join local churches in bringing these requests before God.

WATCH

WATCH

See the stories. Feel the impact. Move with compassion.

3 Dec 2025
Leaving a Legacy of Faith: Karen’s Story
Karen devoted her life to teaching and serving others. Through Compassion, her love now extends across generations. Read how her Gift in Will is creating a legacy of faith, giving children the hope and opportunity to discover their God-given potential.
12 Sept 2024
A Hopeful Future: Life After Child Sponsorship
The path out of poverty looks different for each child, but the goal for every young person in Compassion’s program remains the same: good health, good skills, good relationships—and the opportunity to hear the Good News.
30 Jul 2024
How Watermelon Changed Emily’s Perspective on Poverty
Has a piece of watermelon ever changed your life? On a Compassion Trip to Indonesia, Emily’s perspective on poverty was radically transformed thanks to the generosity of one woman.
20 Jul 2023
Behind the Stories: Hutama Limarta, Indonesia
Communication and building trust are essential when capturing children’s stories of hope. For Compassion Indonesia photojournalist Hutama Limarta, these stories are also an opportunity to show his country’s natural beauty and rich cultural diversity.
12 Jun 2023
Behind the Stories: Vera Aurima, Indonesia
How do we find Compassion stories? We sat down with Compassion photojournalist Vera Aurima to discover the journey of a story in Indonesia. Read why Vera is passionate about creating safe spaces for children and families to share.
23 May 2022
Five Education Projects That Will Help Restore a Generation
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global education crisis for the world’s most vulnerable children. That’s why Compassion’s local church partners are planning targeted, innovative ways to meet the cognitive needs of children in poverty—and your help is needed.
19 May 2022
Why Education is Key to Breaking the Cycle of Poverty
Compassion is committed to sustainable child development, so projects are always carried out as long-term collaborations with maximum community engagement. With deep roots in their communities, local churches are best placed to identify children’s needs and respond with solutions that change lives.
15 Apr 2022
Restored Hope Devotional: Day 5
God demonstrated His righteousness by offering us justification. He pronounced us ‘not guilty’, yet He remained completely just through the righteous penalty of sin that was paid on the cross.
11 Jan 2022
Asia in Focus: Poverty in Sri Lanka
This scenic nation still carries the scars of decades-long civil war. Poverty continues holding many children back. But Compassion’s local partners are helping Sri Lankan children in poverty to see their potential.
21 Dec 2021
Asia in Focus: Poverty in Thailand
Thailand has one of the world's highest wealth concentrations, with the top 1% holding an estimated 58% of the country's total wealth. This poses significant challenges to vulnerable people groups in the country. However, the local church is working to bring hope for the future.
29 Nov 2021
You Can Love Your Neighbour with One Small Act
Christ shared His love with us, now we can give that same gift to others. See how small acts of great love can rewrite the headlines in the lives of our neighbours.
23 Nov 2021
From Our CEO: Your 2021 Impact
This year, I write with such thankfulness for the way you have responded to the pandemic, providing critical support to more children living in poverty than ever before. Across the world, we have seen people moved to love their neighbours in so many different ways.

Explore more countries in Asia

Explore the global neighbourhood
Bangladesh

Est. 2003

Cambodia

Est. 2023

Myanmar

Est. 2022

Philippines

Est. 1972

Sri Lanka

Est. 2010

Thailand

Est. 1970

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Compassion Australia ABN 67 001 692 566. Authorised to fundraise in NSW (CFN/10658), VIC (FR0010734), QLD (CH1569), SA (CCP2632), TAS (F1A-208) and WA (20740). No authority to fundraise is required in the ACT or NT.