Ibu Bumi Orangutan
Working with local communities to implement solutions that deliver for both nature and people
Ibu Bumi Orangutan (IBO) is a non-profit dedicated to safeguarding the biodiversity of Indonesia’s Gunung Leuser National Park. As stewards of this vital World Heritage site, we bridge the gap between adventure and activism. Through our social enterprise, Sumatra Trekking, we ensure that 10% of every booking fee directly funds our field projects—ranging from protecting endangered tigers and orangutans to empowering local farmers through sustainable agroforestry and providing environmental education for the next generation.
Our Work
All funds from our guided treks and programs go directly back into protecting the Gunung Leuser National Park. As a World Heritage site, this ecosystem depends on the sustainable travel we provide. Your journey helps us:
Fund conservation: Every trek and volunteer program directly finances our mission in the field.
Protect wildlife: We lead active projects to safeguard the future of the Sumatran Tiger, Elephant, and Orangutan.
Empower communities: We create sustainable economic opportunities for local farmers to ensure they thrive alongside the park.
Educate the next generation: We design and deliver essential environmental and basic education programs for local children.
Resolve conflict: We research and implement strategies to minimise human-wildlife friction.
Restore the Land: We develop agroforestry systems that balance agricultural needs with forest health.
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Workshops with local farmers for sustainable rubber production
Together with regional experts and our partner NGOs, organising workshops for local farmers to engage with sustainable production methods is key to both environmental and socioeconomic development.
Events such as these allow us to engage with the community and better understand the challenges they face and the barriers that may prevent ongoing conservation efforts.
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Wildlife monitoring and reporting
A crucial element of our work is understanding the endangered wildlife populations that live in and around the Gunung Leuser National Park. Along with a critical population of Sumatran orangutans, a small group of elephants traverses the area, and the Sapo Padang enclave is an important part of their route.
Regular monitoring helps prevent issues of human-wildlife conflict, and in future, we hope to deploy a greater number of camera traps to further improve coexistence.
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Community education programs
Inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards is an important part of the work we undertake in North Sumatra. Our volunteers play a vital role, working with local schools and villages to teach children about the value of the forest and its wildlife.
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Ethical wildlife trekking
Ecotourism provides essential funds for the various conservation projects we are working on. Unlike many of the major tourist offerings in nearby Bukit Lawang, we endeavour to offer a genuine, ethical trekking experience, using local guides and following strict wildlife watching principles.
We are undergoing assessment to be listed as an official Wildlife Heritage Area.
Make an Impact Today
When you give, you invest in progress, compassion, and a better world for everyone.
Volunteer with us
The Ibu Bumi Orangutan organisation has the mission of protecting the rainforest through sustainable economic development, education and wildlife protection programs. We offer the opportunity to learn in the field and share knowledge, engage with the local community, and develop a range of valuable skills.
We are looking for individuals who:
Are passionate
Have a sense of adventure
Are interested in wildlife and nature conservation
Have skills to share
Are resourceful and resilient
