Sumatra Project is a community-based organization dedicate to marine conservation and youth education in Sungai Pinang, West Sumatra. The organization focuses on protecting marine life through activities such as sea turtle rescue, mangrove reforestation, and shellfish cultivation. These efforts aim to restore  coastal ecosystems and promote sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Sumatra Project is committed to empowering the younger generation through educational programs. These include environmental awareness campaigns, English language instruction, cultural arts, and sports activities. By engaging youth in these diverse programs, the organization fosters a sense of responsibility and equip them with skills to contribute positively to their communities.

Through the integration of conservation efforts and educational outreach, Sumatra Project strives to create a sustainable and resilent future for both the environment and the people of Sungai Pinang.

• Turtle program

as a Sumatra Turtle Conservation Volunteer, you become part of a dedicated team working on two interwined goals: safe guarding endangered sea turtles and uplifting the coastal communities that share their habitat.

(foto turtle release)

• Coral program

“Healthy Oceans, Strong Communities – Our Legacy for the Future”

Indonesia is home to over five million hectares of coral reefs—an invaluable natural resource that serves as a source of livelihood, nutrition, and national pride. Recognizing the critical importance of this ecosystem, SumatraProject, a non-governmental organization based in Nagari Sungai Pinang, has initiated a coral reef transplantation program aimed at marine conservation in the region.

SumatraProject is dedicated to protecting the marine ecosystem of Sungai Pinang by fostering collaboration between local communities and scientific knowledge. We believe that environmental preservation must be a shared responsibility—driven by both local wisdom and modern science.

Indonesia is home to the world’s largest coral species and boasts an incredible underwater biodiversity. However, as the fourth most populous country, we face significant challenges in preserving this natural wealth. Unfortunately, only a small fraction of our coral reefs remain intact, and many of our marine ecosystems are under threat. Sadly, only a few are stepping up to protect these vital reefs.

But we can change this. We can make a difference if we move forward together, as a community committed to the future of our oceans.

We invite you to join us in this mission. You can contribute in various ways: through donations, by volunteering, or by becoming part of our regular baby coral adoption program. Every action, big or small, has a lasting impact in preserving Indonesia’s stunning underwater ecosystems.

Whatever you choose, know that your generosity not only helps, but also inspires others to take action in reviving our ocean’s precious ecosystems. Specifically, in Nagari Sungai Pinang, a crucial area for coral conservation. With your support, we can ensure that these reefs not only survive, but thrive for generations to come.

Together, we can restore the vibrant marine life of our oceans. Let’s move, let’s act, and let’s ensure that Indonesia’s underwater heritage is preserved for a better future.

• Mangrove Restoration & Youth Empowerment Program

“Building a Green Generation, Protecting the Roots of Coastal Life”
Program Vision
To create an active, knowledgeable, and environmentally conscious generation of young leaders who will sustainably manage natural resources and safeguard the future of Sungai Pinang, ensuring resilience and prosperity for the community.

1. Coastal Ecosystem Restoration
   The rehabilitation and planting of mangroves protect the coastline from erosion, improve water quality, and strengthen natural defenses against climate change.
2. Environmental Education & Youth Leadership
   This program instills environmental responsibility and provides opportunities to develop local leadership through tangible actions, such as mangrove planting, recycling, school campaigns, and environmental advocacy.
3. Strengthening Local Cultural Identity
   Arts, music, and the Minangkabau traditions are integrated into the activities, allowing youth to grow with pride in their cultural heritage while fostering environmental awareness.

Sustainable Solutions from Community for the Community
By involving youth directly in planning and implementation, the program builds local capacity and strengthens village self-sufficiency in managing resources sustainably.

In the face of climate change threats and the erosion of cultural values, rural youth are the most strategic frontline in ensuring sustainability. Empowering them is like planting the seeds for a greener, fairer, and more rooted future, driven by local strength and wisdom.

As an English teaching volunteer in Sungai Pinang, your main role is to share your energy, knowledge, and creativity to uplift local communities through education. By focusing on conversational English, you’ll help children build the confidence they need to communicate more effectively and open up future opportunities.

The Sumatra Project’s after-school program runs from Monday to Friday, between 2:00 and 4:00 pm. Reaching the project site is a quick and scenic journey-just about 5 minutes by bike, car, or boat

Each teaching season begins with focussed English instruction, followed by an hour dedicate to games, interactive, and creative play. Volunteers are encouraged to make learning fun and dynamic. Whether you’re leading a team quiz, a game or lively round hot seat, the goals is to keep students engaged and enjoying the process. You can also use songs, storytelling, drawing or even sports to make language learning more exciting and accessible.

To support you, the volunteer house provides lesson planning materials, resource ideas, and a flexible syllabus  to help structure your sessions.

While no formal teaching experience is required, a willingness to connect with the children and adapt your style to their. Needs will go a long way.

By the end of each day, you wont just have though English-you’ll have sparked joy, curiosity and lasting impact.

As an international volunteer in Sungai Pinang, you offer students a unique opportunity to engage  with diverse cultures  and gain a broader  global perspective. Your creativity and knowledge can inspire these eager learners to realize their full potential.

At Sumatra Project, each volunteer leads their own classes and has the flexibility to design lesson plans. If you need inspiration, pre-existing topics and curriculum materials are available. Depending on the number of volunteers and current needs, teaching may be conducted individually, in pairs, or in small groups. Typically, three to six classes are held in each community.

A local coordinator is available daily to assist and provide support. However, as local staff do not lead the classes, volunteers are encouraged to minimize reliance on coordinators for translation. To ensure effective sessions, dedicate planning meetings are held twice a week with the teaching coordinator. Additionally, it’s recommended to spend at least 30 minutes each day preparing lessons.

By participating in this program, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children in Sungai Pinang, creating lasting memories and experience.