sukarela

Sukarela is an Indonesian and Malay adjective meaning voluntary, undertaken or provided willingly and without pay. The term stems from the combination of suka (to like) and rela (willing), indicating actions chosen freely rather than due to obligation. In everyday usage, sukarela appears in phrases such as kerja sukarela (volunteer work), tenaga sukarela (volunteer labor), and sumbangan sukarela (voluntary contribution). The corresponding noun for a person who performs such acts is sukarelawan; the related term relawan is also widely used in formal organizational contexts to denote a volunteer.

Sukarela is central to volunteerism and civil society in both regions, supporting disaster relief, community development, education, health initiatives, and various social services. Volunteer activities are typically organized by non-profit organizations, community groups, religious bodies, or government programs, and may be coordinated to supplement limited paid staff. The concept emphasizes altruism, civic engagement, and social solidarity, while also requiring attention to training, safety, recognition, and the voluntary nature of participation to avoid exploitation or coercion.

In policy and academic discussions, sukarela is often examined alongside broader ideas of philanthropy, public service, and social capital. The term highlights the importance of voluntary participation in building resilient communities and expanding access to services, especially where formal funding or staffing is insufficient. Overall, sukarela represents a key facet of informal and formal volunteer networks that contribute to social welfare in Indonesian and Malay-speaking contexts.