Volunteer with us

Gain invaluable experience, connect with nature, and build a new future.

The Ibu Bumi Orangutan organisation has the mission of protecting the rainforest through sustainable economic development, education and wildlife protection programs. To achieve our goals, we have several activities on the ground in collaboration with the rangers from Gunung Leuser NP and USU (University of North Sumatra).

We offer the opportunity to learn in the field and share knowledge, engage with the local community, and develop a range of valuable skills.

This type of volunteering is aimed at people of all ages and families who are 100% able to adapt to work and life in the field.

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

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Our Volunteer Programs

We have two volunteer programs currently active. The activities listed on the following slides are a guide to what you could be doing; however, this will also depend on the time of year you are joining us and the needs of the organisation at that time.

Option 1: Wildlife Corridor in Gunung Leuser National Park

Option 2: South Sumatra – Pulau Bangka Rescue Centre Program

At the end of your volunteer term, you will receive a certificate of attendance, which can be a valuable addition to your resume. If you wish to extend your stay, you must inform our organisation.

  • Sapo Padang Enclave Volunteers Program in Gunung Leuser national park, lead by Nora Arriazu from Ibu Bumi Orangutan NGO

    Wildlife corridor in Gunung Leuser National Park

    We are building a safe space for wild Elephants, working with the local community to avoid conflicts. The site where we work is an enclave on the middle of Gunung Leuser National Park at Bahorok. This agroforestry and research program is essential for the conservation of endangered species such as the Sumatran elephants and tigers that live in that area.

    Volunteer activities include:

    - Monitoring wild Elephants

    - Building wildlife corridors for elephants

    - Helping local economy through volunteer and ecotourism programs

    Children education

    trashbank program and organic compost

    wildlife mitigation iniciatives

    350€ per person for 1 week: transport to the location by off-road motorbike, food, camping accommodation, activities,local team and program founder.

    Visa, personal items and transport until Bahorok are not included

  • Green tourtle rescue program at south Sumatra, Pulau Belitung

    South Sumatra: Pulau Bangka Rescue Centre Program

    Ibu bumi Orangutan NGO in partnership with Alobi foundation have created a volunteers program to support the rescue center in Bangkat island. In addition to a range of engaging activities, volunteers have the opportunity to visit some very interesting places and animal observation activities in their natural habitat.

    Your daily tasks will include :

    - Food preparation and feeding, paddock cleaning, animal enrichment work, observing animal behaviour, teamwork with guards and other staff members

    Depending on the needs of the moment, other activities may include:

    - Animal rescue activities, actions to release or transfer animals to other institutions, helping vets with medical examinations, helping to administer treatment to injured animals, accompanying visitors on tours of the centre, and post-release monitoring of animals

    950€ for a 1-month stay - included room, food and activities.

    Visa and personal items are not included

    All the places that we offer to volunteers have rules in respect of the local culture (muslim)

Looking for an internship as part of your studies?

There are possibilities for students who have completed their studies and need an internship to do it with us or those looking for opportunities to gain field experience for their masters thesis.

Get in touch
“I have recently returned to Indonesia after 35 years. Just spend one week as a volunteer to support the education program and wildlife conservation. Life here is about being more rather than having more. The wildlife is spectacular. Thank you for a wonderful experience.
— David
“If what you are looking for is wild nature, I totally recommend it”
— Barbara, volunteer