Volunteer and Intern in Reforestation Program

  Indonesia

• All Other Areas: 
Makassar

Term: Throughout the year 
Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks

Description: LPTM, an institution, is initiating and promoting reforestation of Bitti wood (Vitex conpassus) in the Regency of Bulukumba, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Being native wood, Bitti is one of the main materials in building Pinisi, the out known local traditional wooden boat. The ever increasing of the building of boats in quantity as well as in sizes has rapidly deteriorated the population of Bitti. Beside preserving wood for future boat building, the reforestation of Bitti will have a significant meaning in maintaining the habitat of several wild-lives in the area. Two species, deer and monkey, are now identified as endangered because of the poor habitat. There may be other wild-life animals in the area such as singing birds which can be rescued by the reforestation.

Highlights: Description of work tasks: There are four main works which we are doing:
- Motivating local people to plant Bitti in their open dry land and show them how they can generate more income from the wood. We are also helping them in getting seeds and grow baby trees.
- Finding methods to increase the population of deer and monkeys.
- Show local people other methods in harvesting honey without killing the bees.
- Planting trees of Bitti Wood.

Volunteers are to observe the progress on the fields and give us feedback information which we need in order to improve our methods. The volunteer will be assigned to visit the projects sites and meet local people. Volunteers assigned during the appropriate season may be assigned to plan trees. Before the visits, he/she will go through preparatory consultation and intensive Indonesian language instruction. By that way volunteer will enjoy meeting and communicate with local villagers at the projects sites. To reach the projects locations he/she can go by bus or by motorcycle where he/she can enjoy the beauty of the sceneries of tropical environment during the traveling.

The project location is around 200 km from our base in Makassar. Makassar, where our main base is, can be reached by two hours flight from Jakarta. Another possibility is through Bali, which will take one hour flight to Makassar.

During their free time, volunteers may visit tourist destinations in South Sulawesi. As we know, Toraja and many others, are the out known tourists destinations which are located in South Sulawesi. Kajang and Bira are tourist destinations which are located in the way to the project. In Selayar, one the islands around the project, there is Marine National Park Taka Bonerate. Also Makassar is surrounded by more than 200 islands which are interesting to visit.

Qualifications:
- Male or female
- In a good health condition
- Prepared to travel to remote villages
- Prepared to be in and enjoy in being in a different culture
- Nature lovers
- High concern in environment

Cost in US$: For Three Months of Stay: US$ 1,675

Insurance is not provided. Every volunteer has to be covered by health insurance. Allianz Insurance is recommended, since Allianz is the only international insurance company which has it branch office in Makassar. The health insurance may also be purchased at Allianze in Makassar before arrival.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Up to now mostly from European countries.

Age Range: 18 to 60 years

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Indonesia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

LPTM's Mission Statement: The future of mankind is on the hands of the younger generation. LPTM is contributing on supporting young people in improvement. One of the missions is to bring them together and make them communicate and promoting the understanding of each other. By that way LPTM is promoting the understanding between different cultures, different economic development, etc., to attain better cooperation between countries in the future.

Year Founded: 1989