Education for Conservation in Sumatra

Hi, my name is Heidi, and I’m a teacher based in Australia.

Last year, I had the privilege of visiting Simolap, a remote village nestled within North Sumatra, Indonesia. Simolap is situated deep within the Gunung Leuser National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining rainforests in Indonesia. Despite its protected status, the area faces significant threats from poaching, deforestation driven largely by the palm oil industry, illegal logging, and land encroachment. It is home to some of the world’s most endangered species, including the Sumatran orangutan, tiger, elephants and rhinoceros.

During my visit, I had the privilege of witnessing the inspiring work of KPL and Simolap Wild Adventures , a community-led ecotourism and conservation organisation founded by Rian and his local community. The mission of KPL and Simolap Wild Adventures is to "build a sustainable tourism model that funds conservation work, protects our culture, and economically empowers our community," with the vision to "lead our community to live in harmony with the jungle and our culture, showing that sustainable practices can create a stable economy and protect the environment."

Simolap Wild Adventures grew out of a shared passion - to protect the jungle while supporting the people who call it home. They’ve developed a tourism model rooted in sustainability, cultural respect, and local leadership. Through various experiences, visitors are welcomed into the community to learn about jungle life, culture, conservation, and the deep connection between people and place.

By employing local guides, reinvesting tourism funds into the village, and actively conserving the surrounding rainforest, Rian and the KPL team have created something that is growing in popularity.

But like many remote communities, access to education remains limited. Many children live too far from school, and while the community has a wealth of traditional knowledge, there are few structured opportunities to develop new skills like English, essential for expanding the reach of ecotourism, protecting livelihoods and providing opportunities to the next generation in a world where language skills is becoming more and more important.

That’s why we’ve come together to start a new chapter - a community-led Jungle School.

In September 2025, I’ll be returning to Simolap to work alongside the team as a volunteer educator. The school will serve both adults and children, creating space to:

Learn English to support ecotourism and intercultural exchange

Explore conservation, sustainability, and climate literacy

Build confidence for guiding and storytelling

Provide accessible education where it's needed most

This project sits at the intersection of environmental protection and community empowerment. The Simolap region is under increasing pressure from deforestation, palm oil plantations, and the loss of habitat for critically endangered species like the Sumatran orangutan, tiger, and elephant. Education is the gateway to ensure the next generation grows up informed, confident, and equipped to protect their home.

This is not a top-down initiative. It’s a collaborative effort, guided by the voices and vision of the local community. My role is to share skills, co-create resources, and support the long-term goal of self-sustaining education that reflects local values and ways of life.

Your donation will go directly toward:

Together, we can support a model of education that empowers the community, protects the jungle, and ensures a sustainable future for both the people and wildlife of Simolap. Thank you for considering a donation. No matter how small, any support will make a direct, lasting impact.