THE 2024 GAWAH BONGA SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INTERNSHIP: BRIDGING CULTURES, EMPOWERING FUTURES

Background:

Established in 2022, the 96-hectare community forest (known as Hutan Kemitraan Masyarakat - HKM) stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of the local community, led by Gawah Bonga, under the official banner of the Bina Lestari Farmer Group. This initiative not only signifies a commitment to environmental stewardship but also serves as a central hub for diverse endeavors aimed at fostering sustainable development in the region.

The internship aims to assist the community in 8 aspects:

1. Education: A privately-operated school situated within the forest provides tuition-free education to 275 students spanning from kindergarten to high school. Despite the challenges of funding and a shortage of teachers, the enthusiasm for learning among students remains palpable. Interns could assist in finding innovative solutions to overcome these funding obstacles and help devise strategies to address the shortage of teachers.
2. Organic Agriculture: Efforts have been made to dispel the misconception that organic farming is laborious. Virtually every household now engages in cultivating organic produce, encompassing a range from vegetables to livestock. The dedication to sustainable agriculture practices is underscored by initiatives to propagate trees. However, interns could aid in further promoting and educating the community about the benefits and techniques of organic farming to encourage widespread adoption.
3. Reforestation and Environmental Conservation: Since 2021, a reforestation initiative has been underway, resulting in the planting of over 35,000 fruit-bearing saplings across 35 hectares. Challenges such as degraded land, water scarcity, and historical deforestation have hindered the survival of newly planted trees. To promote environmental conservation, the ecotourism brand encourages tourists to partake in tree planting activities. Interns could help develop and implement sustainable solutions to address these challenges, ensuring the success of reforestation efforts.
4. Cultural Heritage: Cultural events and traditional dances showcase the region's rich heritage, although certain practices like music, weaving, and indigenous crafts are experiencing decline. Interns could assist in revitalizing and preserving these cultural traditions through various initiatives and awareness programs.
5. Tourism: While the tourism sector is burgeoning, interns could help enhance and promote the local tourism offerings to attract more visitors and ensure a positive experience for tourists while also minimizing any negative impacts on the environment and community.
6. IT/Digital Marketing: While modest IT infrastructure enables digital marketing activities, interns could help optimize and expand these efforts to reach a broader audience and effectively promote the community's initiatives and products.
7. Food Processing: Local resources like coconut are utilized in food processing initiatives, producing items such as virgin coconut oil and various snacks. Interns could assist in improving and scaling up food processing initiatives, optimizing production processes, and exploring new markets for locally sourced products, thereby enhancing economic opportunities for the community.
8. Health and Social Issues: Health and social issues, including diabetes, asthma, malnutrition, and poverty, persist as significant concerns, necessitating holistic interventions to enhance community well-being. Interns could contribute to the development and implementation of holistic interventions and awareness campaigns to address these issues and improve community well-being.

Objective:

1. Education: Find solutions for funding and teacher shortages.
2. Organic Agriculture: Promote organic farming and sustainable practices.
3. Reforestation and Conservation: Develop solutions for environmental challenges.
4. Cultural Heritage: Preserve and promote local traditions.
5. Tourism: Enhance tourism while minimizing negative impacts.
6. IT/Digital Marketing: Expand digital outreach and promotion.
7. Food Processing: Improve production and market access for local products.
8. Health and Social Issues: Address health and social challenges for community well-being.

Intern Skillset:

While these skills will help your application, don't worry if you don't have experience in all of them.

1. Research Skills: Candidates should be proficient in gathering and analyzing data, as well as conducting literature reviews to inform their work.
2. Critical Thinking: Ideal candidates should possess the ability to evaluate information critically and propose evidence-based recommendations to address challenges.
3. Analytical Skills: Candidates should be able to develop analytical frameworks and model scenarios to interpret data and assess potential impacts.
4. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for conveying research findings. Candidates should excel in preparing clear and concise reports and presentations.
5. Teamwork and Collaboration: Successful candidates should work well in multidisciplinary teams, actively contributing their expertise and perspectives.
6. Time Management: Candidates should manage their time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines consistently.
7. Cultural Sensitivity: Given the cross-cultural nature of the internship, candidates should exhibit cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
8. Ethical Conduct: Upholding high ethical standards and professional integrity is crucial in all aspects of the internship.
9. Innovative Thinking: Candidates should demonstrate creativity and innovation in problem-solving to address complex challenges effectively.

Duration: 

The internship lasts for a period of three to six months and is available throughout the year.

Application Process: 

Interested candidates can apply by submitting their CV along with a cover letter explaining their interest and relevant experience to info@bettertogether.id. Selected candidates will be notified via email.

Rewards for Interns:

1. Certificate of Participation: Recognizing their involvement in the program and the skills gained during the internship.
2. Letter of Recommendation: Upon successful completion of the program, interns will receive a personalized letter of recommendation from the project supervisors, highlighting their achievements and capabilities.
3. Networking Opportunities: Interns will have the chance to connect with professionals and experts in the field of socioeconomic research and community development, fostering valuable connections for future career endeavors.
4. Meals Provided: Enjoy complimentary meals during the program.
5. Publicity: Recognition on the organization's website or social media platforms.
6. Publication: Opportunities for publication or co-authorship on research papers.

Intern Requirements: 

1. Currently working in or studying in (undergraduate or graduate) the fields of education, agriculture, cultural studies, tourism, information technology, food science, public health, social work, research, or data analysis.
2. Possess excellent communication skills.
3. Have the ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
4. While proficiency in data collection tools is desirable, it is not mandatory.

Included: 

1. Meals: Daily meals to ensure participants are well-fed throughout the program.

Excluded: 

1. Personal Expenses: Any additional expenses for personal purchases or activities outside the itinerary.
2. Travel Insurance: Participants must arrange their travel insurance coverage.
3. Additional Transportation: Transportation for personal excursions outside scheduled activities is not provided.
4. Accommodation: Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.
5. Visa Fees: Participants are responsible for any visa fees or required documentation for entry into Indonesia.
6. Medical Expenses: Any medical expenses during the program are the responsibility of the participant.
7. Lost or Damaged Equipment: Participants are liable for any lost or damaged equipment provided during the program.
8. Incidental Expenses: Any additional incidental expenses not explicitly mentioned are excluded.

Disclaimer:

While we endeavor to offer a safe and fulfilling internship experience, unforeseen circumstances may occur. Participants should be mindful of the following potential risks:

1. Visa Compliance: Participants are expected to adhere to visa regulations, ensuring proper usage throughout their stay. Violations may lead to legal repercussions, with the organization holding no liability.
2. Criminal Disclosure: Participants must honestly disclose any criminal history during the application process. Failure to do so may result in program termination if discovered later.
3. Background Checks: The organization reserves the right to conduct background screenings to uphold program safety and integrity. False information provided may lead to disqualification.
4. Departure Notification: Participants are required to notify the organization if leaving the program prematurely. Failure to do so or engaging in misconduct post-departure may prompt appropriate actions.
5. Legal Responsibility: Participants are accountable for any accidents or damages they cause during the internship, potentially leading to legal consequences.
6. Reputation Preservation: Maintaining professionalism is essential to uphold the organization's reputation and credibility.
7. Financial Considerations: Unforeseen circumstances may incur financial losses for participants, including travel expenses or program fees, in case of disruptions.
8. Operational Disruptions: Participants should anticipate potential disruptions to the internship program, impacting their objectives and overall experience.

Interview Sessions:

The organization may conduct interview sessions with participants, if necessary, to ensure suitability and alignment with program objectives.

Contract Signing:

Participants will receive a contract during the program, which must be signed and returned to us promptly.