Our Team
At Sumatra Orangutan Treks, we are more than a team — we are a family united by our love for nature, wildlife, and our local community. Born and raised around the rainforest of Bukit Lawang, each of us shares a deep respect for the jungle and a passion for protecting it. Together, we guide every guest with care, honesty, and purpose — creating experiences that are authentic, ethical, and environmentally responsible.
From our certified guides and jungle chefs to our drivers and hosts, every member of the SOT family plays a meaningful role in offering eco-conscious adventures that support conservation and empower local people.
When you trek with us, you’re not just exploring the jungle — you’re becoming part of our story to protect, preserve, and share the heart of Sumatra.
Sumatra Orangutan Treks (SOT)
Jungle Family
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" HERY "
Co-Founder, Owner & Certified Jungle Guide
Born near Bukit Lawang, Hery has guided guests for over 12 years through the magical rainforest of Gunung Leuser National Park. His dream was to create a local team offering authentic, ethical, and sustainable jungle adventures.With deep respect for nature and community, Hery leads every trek with heart and passion.
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"KELLAN HAYS"
Co-Founder & Hery Travel Partner Experience
Based between the U.S. and North Sumatra, Kellan has explored the world for over 20 years. She supports SOT’s mission to promote sustainable, community-based tourism in Gunung Leuser National Park — travel that’s fair, safe, and meaningful.
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"DEDI COOL"
Booking & Email Manager
Your friendly contact for bookings and jungle trekking inquiries. Dedy brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a love of meeting new people. He also enjoys playing guitar and sharing music with guests. His goal — to make every visitor feel at home from start to finish.
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" JOKO "
Head Tour Guide, Operator & Certified Guide
Known as our “jungle sunshine,” Joko is always smiling and ready with a joke. He organizes treks, activities, and transport to make your stay smooth and unforgettable. Passionate, caring, and full of energy, Joko makes sure every guest enjoys the best of Sumatra.
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" ALDI "
SOT Restaurant Manager & Receptionist
Aldi warmly welcomes every guest with genuine hospitality and care. As our Restaurant Manager, he ensures that every meal and every moment at SOT is guided by respect for local culture, sustainability, and community values. His goal is to make guests feel at home while experiencing the best of Sumatran flavors and friendliness.
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" FAHMI "
SOT Vice Restaurant Manager & Receptionist
Fahmi supports our restaurant and reception with dedication and kindness. Always smiling and ready to help, he ensures your stay is comfortable, responsible, and full of local warmth. He values eco-conscious service and takes pride in supporting sustainable tourism in Bukit Lawang.
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" ERWIN "
Certified Jungle Guide
Locally trained and certified, Erwin grew up beside the rainforest and carries a deep respect for its wildlife and ecosystems. Guided by care and conservation, he ensures every trek is safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible — helping guests discover the jungle in a way that protects nature and supports local communities.
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" AHMAD "
Certified Jungle Guide
Ahmad is a locally trained and certified jungle guide who grew up near the rainforest and developed a deep respect for its wildlife and natural balance. With a strong commitment to eco-conscious and responsible travel, he guides every trek with care — ensuring guests experience the jungle in a way that protects nature, respects wildlife, and supports local communities.
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" YOGA "
Certified Jungle Guide
Born near the rainforest, Yoga guides each trek with respect for nature and wildlife. Passionate about conservation, he creates safe, ethical, and eco-friendly jungle adventures that support local people and protect the environment.
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" AZRI "
Certified Jungle Guide
Locally trained and deeply connected to the jungle, Azri guides each trek with care for wildlife and respect for nature — creating ethical, sustainable, and unforgettable adventures.
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" ZANET "
Certified Jungle Guide
Raised beside the rainforest, Zanet guides with passion and purpose — offering eco-friendly and responsible treks that protect nature and support local communities.
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" ANTO "
Assistant Jungle Guide
Anto brings great energy and dedication to every trek. Growing up close to the rainforest, he developed a deep respect for nature and wildlife. He supports our team in creating safe, eco-friendly, and community-focused adventures, helping guests connect with the jungle in a respectful and sustainable way.
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" BAMBANG "
Assistant Jungle Guide (Hery’s Uncle)
As one of Hery’s uncles, Bambang shares a strong family connection to the jungle and local traditions. With kindness and care, he assists on treks that promote ethical, responsible, and eco-conscious travel, helping guests experience the rainforest while supporting local livelihoods.
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" AGAM "
Assistant Jungle Guide
Agam is a passionate member of our jungle family who enjoys sharing the wonders of nature with visitors. Always respectful of wildlife and the environment, he helps ensure every trek is safe, sustainable, and full of discovery.
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" AMIN "
Assistant Jungle Guide (Hery’s Uncle)
Amin has spent much of his life close to the rainforest and carries a deep understanding of its rhythms. As Hery’s uncle and part of the SOT family, he assists with treks that focus on responsible tourism, conservation, and cultural respect, making every journey meaningful for guests and nature alike.
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WANDA
Jungle Chef Manager & Jungle Rafting Captain
Wanda brings a special blend of adventure and hospitality to every trek. As both a skilled jungle chef and rafting captain, he ensures guests enjoy safe, sustainable, and joyful experiences in nature. Passionate about local food and eco-tourism, Wanda prepares fresh, traditional meals using natural ingredients and leads rafting trips that respect the river and rainforest.
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" JAMAL "
Jungle Chef & Jungle Rafting Captain
Jamal is known for his delicious jungle cooking and his calm, confident approach to rafting. Dedicated to eco-friendly and responsible travel, he helps guests experience the rainforest in a way that honors nature. Whether on the river or by the campfire, Jamal’s warmth and care make every moment unforgettable.
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"IPIN"
Jungle Chef & Jungle Rafting Captain
Ipin combines a love for nature, cooking, and adventure. He prepares local dishes that reflect the flavors of Sumatra while ensuring every trek and rafting trip is safe, ethical, and environmentally conscious. His friendly spirit and respect for the jungle make him a valued part of the SOT family.
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" LINDA "
Restaurant Chef & Room Cleaning
Linda prepares each meal with love and care, using fresh local ingredients to reflect the taste of Sumatra. Beyond the kitchen, she helps keep our villas clean and welcoming — creating a warm, eco-friendly space where guests can rest and relax after their jungle adventures.
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" TITIN "
Restaurant Chef & Room Cleaning
Titin brings creativity and kindness to her work every day. She loves sharing traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and ensures that every guest’s room feels fresh, comfortable, and environmentally friendly.
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" ALI "
Room Cleaning
Ali helps maintain a clean, peaceful, and sustainable environment at our villas. With attention to detail and a friendly attitude, he ensures every space feels fresh, eco-conscious, and welcoming for each guest.
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" HENDRI "
Villa Security
Hendri takes care of the safety and peace of our guests and property. Reliable and respectful, he helps maintain a secure and worry-free atmosphere, allowing everyone to enjoy the jungle surroundings with comfort and confidence.
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" ERNA "
Cooking Class Chef
Erna loves sharing the flavors and traditions of Indonesian cuisine. Through her hands-on cooking classes, guests learn how to prepare local dishes using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. She believes that food connects people and cultures — and her classes help travelers experience Sumatra in a sustainable, authentic, and meaningful way
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" GODEK "
Head Driver
With years of experience on the winding roads of North Sumatra, Godex ensures every guest travels safely, comfortably, and responsibly. Friendly and dependable, he loves introducing visitors to the beauty of local landscapes and culture — making each journey part of your eco-conscious adventure.
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" ROY "
Driver
Roy is known for his kindness, patience, and smooth driving. He takes pride in providing safe and sustainable transportation, helping guests reach Bukit Lawang and nearby destinations with ease. His friendly smile and care for people make every ride a pleasant and responsible travel experience