Bali-based tourism operator Intrepid DMC Indonesia has launched a donation-matching initiative to support nonprofit organizations that distribute surplus food to orphanages and underprivileged communities.
“Whatever amount is donated, we will match it. If our tourists donate $100, we will double it to $200,” said Intrepid DMC Indonesia General Manager Ravindra Singh in Denpasar on Friday.
Donations will be made directly online by international tourists traveling to Indonesia through Intrepid. On average, the company brings around 5,000 foreign tourists annually to various destinations across Indonesia, including Bali.
Additional Funding Commitment
In addition to matched donations from tourists, Singh said the company will contribute a lump sum of $5,000 (approximately Rp82.5 million at an exchange rate of Rp16,510 per U.S. dollar) for 2025.
The funds will be distributed to Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Indonesia, also known as Yayasan Derma Atas Pangan, a nonprofit organization based in Sanur, Bali, that works to reduce food waste and provide meals to those in need.
To maximize contributions, Intrepid DMC Indonesia is raising awareness among foreign tourists through its tour guides. The donation program is set to continue for the coming years.
Food Collection and Distribution
SOS Indonesia representative Ni Luh Putu Juniari welcomed the tourism company’s contribution, highlighting its importance in sustaining the foundation’s daily operations. Founded in 2016, the organization has been systematically collecting and redistributing surplus food since 2017.
Each day, SOS Indonesia collects food from about 100 donors, including hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, farms, and other food producers in Bali. Juniari emphasized that the food collected is not leftovers but high-quality surplus items suitable for consumption.
On average, the organization recovers between 300–500 kilograms of food per day, including pastries, fruits, and other consumables. For staple ingredients such as rice and cooking oil, the foundation receives up to one ton daily, which is processed and distributed to those in need.
Addressing Hunger and Environmental Concerns
Besides orphanages and underprivileged communities, the food is also distributed to people with disabilities and waste collectors. “Our goal is to promote nutritional equity,” Juniari said.
She also noted that food waste contributes to environmental issues, as discarded food increases landfill waste and releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which drive global warming.
Since 2017, SOS Indonesia has rescued 1.3 million kilograms of food, translating into approximately 6.5 million meals served across Indonesia. The initiative has also helped reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 3,316 tons of CO2 equivalent.
The donation-matching program is exclusively available to tourists booking trips with Intrepid DMC Indonesia. Those who wish to contribute directly to Scholars of Sustenance (SOS) Indonesia can do so through the organization’s official donation channels here.
