OUR TEAM - SUMATRA ORANGUTAN TREK
(SOT) FAMILY BUKIT LAWANG
Meet Our Bukit Lawang Trekking Family
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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" 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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" 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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" 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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" DEDI IRAWAN "
Certified Specialist Guide – North Sumatra Eco Tours
Born and raised in the highlands near Berastagi, Deni grew up exploring Sumatra’s forests and volcanoes from a young age. With over seven years of guiding experience, he is known for his deep knowledge of wildlife and his calm, thoughtful guiding style.Travel with respect, and nature will share her secrets. – Deni Irawan
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" JEFRI SEMBIRING "
Certified Specialist Guide – North Sumatra Eco Tours
Growing up in a small mountain village near Berastagi, Jefry developed a strong connection with nature and a deep curiosity for the rainforest. With more than five years of experience, he specializes in wildlife spotting and interpreting animal behavior in the jungle.
Jefry is known for his friendly personality and sharp eyes — often the first to spot rare birds or orangutans hidden among the treetops. His dedication to responsible guiding and environmental education ensures every guest experiences the jungle with care and respect.
The forest speaks softly — you just need to listen. – Jefry Sembiring
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" ROBY GINTING "
Description goes hereCertified Specialist Guide – North Sumatra Eco Tours
Roby grew up near the slopes of Mount Sibayak, where he spent his childhood exploring rivers, caves, and forests. With over five years of experience as a jungle and cultural guide, he brings both enthusiasm and a deep sense of environmental responsibility to his tours.
Roby is especially skilled at connecting guests with local people — translating stories, sharing traditions, and creating genuine cultural exchanges. His easy-going nature and local wisdom make him a favorite among travelers.
The best journey is one that helps both people and the planet.– Roby Ginting
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" WIWIN SINGALINGO "
Certified Women Specialist Guide – North Sumatra Eco Tours
Wiwin was born in the fertile lands around Berastagi, where his love for nature began. Over the past six years, he has guided guests across Sumatra’s mountains, rivers, and forests, earning a reputation for his warm hospitality and patience.
As a certified eco-guide, Wiwin focuses on slow, mindful travel — allowing guests to truly experience the jungle’s peace and rhythm. He is passionate about wildlife conservation and teaches travelers how small actions can make a big difference.
Go gently, leave nothing but footprints, and take only memories. – Wiwin Singalingo
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" DISKON TARIGAN "
Certified Specialist Guide – North Sumatra Eco Tours
Born in Berastagi, Dikson grew up surrounded by volcanic landscapes and lush jungle trails. With more than five years of professional guiding, he combines deep local knowledge with an adventurous spirit.
Dikson loves sharing stories about traditional forest life and local conservation efforts. He has a special interest in jungle survival skills and medicinal plants, helping guests understand the rainforest’s natural wisdom.
His guiding reflects a perfect balance of safety, learning, and sustainability.
When we protect the forest, we protect our own future. – Dikson Tarigan
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" ARMAN PURBA "
Certified Jungle Guide | English & French Speaking
Born and raised beside the rainforest, Arman Purba is a locally trained and certified jungle guide with a deep-rooted respect for Sumatra’s wildlife and ecosystems. With strong knowledge of the jungle and a passion for conservation, he leads every trek with care, safety, and responsibility. Arman is committed to ethical, environmentally friendly guiding—helping guests experience the rainforest in a meaningful way while supporting nature conservation and local communities.
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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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" SABARATA BANGUN "
Certified Jungle Guide | English & Spanish Speaking
Born in Bukit Lawang, Sabarata Bangun has been guiding guests through the Sumatran rainforest since 1994. With decades of experience across Sumatra, he brings deep jungle knowledge and a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism.
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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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" SARAH "
Certified Women Jungle Guide
Sarah is one of Bukit Lawang’s trusted certified women guides, offering a safe, empowering, and eco-friendly trekking experience for all travelers — especially solo women.Raised beside the rainforest, she guides with deep respect for wildlife, culture, and conservation.Her treks follow strict ethical standards. -

" 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