Pulo Aceh, a land nestled at the westernmost tip of the Indonesian archipelago, shines like a hidden gem amidst the vast blue ocean. Its waves sing, its winds whisper, and its history murmurs to those willing to listen. In this land rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, a group of young individuals sets foot, bringing a glimmer of hope to the local community. The Bersama Relawan Muda (BERMUDA) Chapter 2 returns, dedicating itself to a sustainable village empowerment program aimed at building a brighter future for the people of Pulo Aceh.
Uniting the Spirit of Young Volunteers for the Nation
As a leading youth community empowerment-based social service program, BERMUDA has become a platform for young volunteers from across Indonesia to share, innovate, and collaborate in creating positive change. Involving more than 30 volunteers, local communities, and local heroes, BERMUDA Chapter #2 brings a variety of empowerment programs to improve the welfare of Pulo Aceh’s residents.
This program is not only designed to raise social awareness but also to enhance the leadership capacity of volunteers and establish collaborative networks among youth, institutions, policymakers, and local communities. Through a spirit of solidarity, this initiative makes a direct impact across multiple sectors, including education, health, the environment, and the creative economy.
Arif Hidayat, a volunteer and Master’s student in Communication Science at Universitas Diponegoro, shared his experience participating in the program. “Serving in Pulo Aceh is not just about sharing knowledge and experience but also about learning from the local community. Here, I realized that care and cooperation are the keys to building our nation. Every small step we take together with the community is an investment in a better future,” said Arif.
A Sustainable Social Service Program
Under the theme “The Enchantment of Indonesia Serving in the Land of Lighthouses,” this program focuses on three main divisions:
- Edu-Culture (Education and Culture)
- MEUSARE: Meuruno Sajan Relawan(Learning Together with Volunteers)
- LIBURAN: Literasi Budaya dan Rempah Rempahan(Cultural and Spice Literacy)
- COREL: Crafbox, Religion, and Inspirational Literacy
- Eco-Health (Health and Environment)
- SEHATI: Sehat Bareng Setiap Hari(Healthy Together Every Day)
- PULO CARE: Health Check-ups and Free Medical Treatment
- BUMI TUMBUH: Biopores and Herbal Planting
- Eco-Craftour (Creative Economy and Tourism)
- BOLANG & CEMERLANG: Plastic Bottle Recycling and Shell Mirrors
- RIMBACETA: Product Rebranding & Eco Printing
- AADKPPA: What’s Up with Pulo Aceh’s Turtle Conservation
- LANCAR JAYA: Content Creation Training
- JELAJAH PULO ACEH: Exploring Pulo Aceh’s Hidden Gems
Pulo Aceh: The Land of Lighthouses with a Rich Cultural Heritage
Pulo Aceh is more than just a location for social service—it is a land brimming with history and cultural heritage. Its pristine natural beauty captivates visitors, from the historic Willem’s Toren III Lighthouse, which stands as a silent witness to Indonesia’s maritime journey, to the Likok Pulo Dance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The island is also home to a Turtle Conservation Beach, where sea turtles lay their eggs annually. Conservation efforts by the Pulo Aceh Ecotourism Institute (Lembaga Ekowisata Pulo Aceh / LEPA) play a crucial role in preserving the marine ecosystem in this area.
Enthusiasm and Hopes for the Future
BERMUDA Chapter #2 took place from January 25-30, 2025, and was met with great enthusiasm. The presence of volunteers in Pulo Aceh not only brought tangible social impact but also provided invaluable experiences for participants in understanding life in remote areas.
This initiative does not stop here. Upholding the spirit of Sharing, Innovating, and Collaborating, BERMUDA will continue its journey to future chapters, bringing new hope to communities in need. See you in the next BERMUDA Chapter—where compassion and real action come together to build the nation!
