23/09/2026
Northern Sumatra Mid Trip Report: Adventure! Exploration! Mi Goreng! Tropical fruit FEASTS! Laid-back vibes! Dense jungle! Orangutans!
The Infuse group from St Joseph's Nudgee College have reached Northern Sumatra, where Program Manager, community leader and conservation powerhouse Jaka has created a packed program in and around Bukit Lawang.
So far, the group have trekked through the jungle and seen EIGHT orangutans, endless monkeys, a couple of vipers and a lot of stunning wild rainforest.
They’ve explored limestone caves by torchlight and discovered the warmth of the local community, where a smile and “hello!” seems to arrive before you do.
At the local school, students participated in education enrichment before going head-to-head with the local kids in a soccer match (4–0 to Bukit Lawang). The soccer match is set up through a volunteer coaching organisation that creates community and opportunity through soccer, while using it as an avenue to teach the next generation about plastic.
“Eco bricks” were made with local powerhouse Nora, where we compacted half a kilo of soft plastic into each used disposable water bottle, which will then be used as bricks concreted into the walls of a toilet. She also taught some students how to crochet plastic waste into drink bottle holders!
All this and the trip is only halfway through!
Next up: a local market challenge, time at the Batu Kapal Conservation Project, hopefully some river swims and, of course, souvenir shopping.
“It’s honestly been an absolute blast, and students and teachers are stoked.” - Steph, Infuse Program Leader.
Most importantly, students are beginning to connect the dots between people, conservation, community, local needs and the economy, while exploring the forces contributing to palm oil production, habitat loss and the different futures facing this incredible part of Sumatra.
Powerful stuff. 🥹
Learn more about getting involved in service learning in Sumatra here: https://infusetravel.com.au/destinations/indonesia/