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Field internship opportunity in Indonesia (Borneo) – Hands-on experience with conservation & SDGs

Are you interested in tropical forest conservation, sustainability, community engagement and practical implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

We are looking for 10 motivated students to participate in an exciting international field internship programme in Central and East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo) during August–December 2026.

The internship is hosted by the University of Copenhagen (KU) and Save the Orangutan (STO) in collaboration with the Indonesian partner organisation Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). The programme combines academic preparation in Denmark with 6–8 weeks of hands-on field experience in Indonesia.

About the internship

This internship offers students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience with:

• Community-based natural resource management in peatland and tropical forest conservation
• Practical forest monitoring and management skills in an intercultural setting
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in practice

Students will work alongside conservation practitioners and local communities at BOSF’s working sites in Samboja Lestari (East Kalimantan) or the Mawas Programme (Central Kalimantan).

Internship structure

Phase 1 – Preparation programme (August 2026)

Before departure, students will participate in a preparation programme covering:

• Introduction to SDGs and community based peatland forest conservation
• Intercultural communication and ethical field practices
• Health, safety, and risk preparedness

Phase 2 – Field internship in Indonesia (September–November 2026)

The field placement lasts 6–8 weeks and includes:

• Introduction to BOSF’s conservation and community programmes
• Training in monitoring tools and forest monitoring applications
• Participation in field visits, patrols, and monitoring activities
• Support for community engagement and training sessions
• Documentation and communication activities
• Reflection meetings and SDG-related reporting
• Development of case studies and internship reports

Throughout the stay, students will work closely with local staff and communities while gaining insight into real-world conservation challenges and solutions.

Phase 3 – Reporting & dissemination (November–December 2026)

After returning, students will:

• Submit an internship report
• Deliver a group case presentation
• Prepare a summary report for the host organisation
• Participate in a public dissemination seminar

Practical information

• Number of participants: 10 students
• Overall internship period: August–December 2026 with some communication activities taking place after the internship ends.
• Field placement duration: 6–8 weeks
• Location: Central and East Kalimantan, Indonesia (Borneo)
• Hosts: Save the Orangutan (Denmark) and Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (Indonesia)

Who can apply?

The internship is relevant for students with interests in:

• Environmental and natural resource management
• Forestry and conservation
• Sustainable development and SDGs
• Anthropology, geography, or development studies
• Community-based approaches to sustainability

Application & Contact

Please send your motivation letter and CV to ak@savetheorangutan.org,  subject: “Internship application – YOUR NAME”.

For questions, please contact Arafa Khatib ak@savetheorangutan.org

Application deadline: June 1st 2026