International Volunteering in Sumatra

Many volunteers

have already taken the plunge…

Discover the satisfaction of participating in actions that bring about change!

Without being a professional in international solidarity, whether you are still studying, in active life or retired, everyone has skills, professional or personal know-how that is useful to others.

Depending on your fields of expertise, we will place you on one of our missions, but none of the activities require a special level of qualification. We are committed to your commitment and your interpersonal skills. However, if you speak alone, basic English is essential.

During your mission, you will experience total immersion in the Indonesian forest and contribute to the protection of its last inhabitants.

Together, let’s learn to know each other and respect nature for a common future.

The mission location in Sumatra

Batu Kapal Conservation

Batu Kapal Conservation Sanctuary is located in the heart of the forest overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Guning Leuser National Park.

The sanctuary is surrounded by nature and geological formations, with frequent visits from the critically endangered orangutans, whose population has declined by 86% over the last 100 years.

Sumatra is the orangutan’s last remaining natural habitat in Indonesia. Sumatra’s forest cover declined by 61% between 1985 and 1997, due to logging, infrastructure development, internal migration and oil palm plantation development.

The role of the volunteer

The goal of the project is to protect the orangutan, fauna and flora that inhabit the buffer zone on private properties bordering the Gunung Leuser National Park.
You will lend a hand to the team for:
– GPS mapping of orangutan and primate habitats, large tree corridors and feeding areas.
– Develop a program for the recovery of vulnerable or threatened species.
– Create corridors between national parks and the buffer zone on private lands, to connect the animals’ natural habitats.
– Develop best practices in the field of agriculture and ecotourism with minimal impact on the environment.

A typical day of volunteering

The exact nature of the work you will do will depend on the priorities of the Sanctuary, as a volunteer it is important to remain flexible.

6:30am – Wildlife observation: GPS, photos and observation notes.

8am – Help with breakfast preparation.

9am – Start conservation activities (monitoring, surveying and creating wildlife corridors).

12pm – Help with lunch preparation.

1pm to 5pm – Depending on the needs of the site:

– Continue with the conservation program
– Plastic projects: litter collection, making ‘Eco-Bricks’, eco-construction with plastic.
– Nursery: maintenance, seedling collection, reforestation.
– Vegetable garden maintenance.
– School project – Support the “Selang Pangeran Jungle School”, help with English classes and raise environmental awareness in the classes.

17:30h – Help with dinner preparation.

18:30h – Dinner.

19:30h to 22:30h – Night walk to spot slow lorises, civets, leopards or porcupines, relax and play cards/games, campfire and guitar.-

The cost of the mission

The total cost of a mission includes:

- mission costs including on-site transport, accommodation, supervision, food on site, between €1,100 and €1,800.

To which are added in addition:
- membership of the association(€25)
- plane tickets(around €800), cancellation option strongly recommended.
- travel insurance
- VISA (€32)
- Vaccination and pharmacy

In total, 66% of the amount committed is deductible from your taxes at the time of your declaration.
Article 200 and 238 bis of the General Tax Code.
We will issue you with a tax receipt at the outcome of your mission.

The costs of weekend activities and any travel outside the program are your responsibility.

Mission departures are open all year round, it is up to you to choose your departure dates!

1) First of all, you must make sure that the Paris > Medan flights match your availability and your budget! Use flight comparators: Skyscanner, Kayak, eDreams..

2) Contact us by email (contact@sensolidaire.org) or by filling out the form HERE indicating your name, first name, telephone number, email, choice of destination and any questions you may have. We will contact you to discuss the mission.

3) Book your plane tickets and send them to us by email.

4) Pay the mission fees and join the association.

5) We send you the terms of commitment to sign.

6) We send you practical advice on preparing for the mission.

7) We send you the mission sheet based on your skills, to be completed upon your return from the mission.

Practical information

You will need your valid passport (more than 6 months). Visa required to enter the country.

Advice for airlines to find you the best price: Silkair, Lufthasa, Emirates Airline, Swiss, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines…

No vaccinations are mandatory but some are recommended: anti-tuberculosis, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis and hepatitis A and B.

An anti-malarial treatment is also recommended.

A good physical condition is recommended. A medical certificate from your doctor will be required.

For any questions, here is the Practical Advice, a complete file that you can consult and download.

Testimonials

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