Started with a question. Grew into something real.
orangutan-stem was founded in 2019 with a single goal: build economically viable alternatives to palm oil farming using data, technology, and the knowledge already living in the community.
That question became a working orchard, a restaurant, a YouTube channel, and a growing body of STEM curricula tested in the field. Not a think tank. Not a nonprofit pitch deck. A real operation, built by real people, in a real place.
A global network of STEM professionals
Engineers in Chicago and Jakarta. Farmers and field scientists in Berastagi. A software engineer at Google. A trekking guide who doubles as a drone operator. We do not all have the same background. That is the point.
We are also building Willie's Tree Library, a long-term archive of indigenous knowledge, native species, and forest restoration efforts in Northern Sumatra.
The People Behind the Work
We are engineers, farmers, scientists, and educators spread across Northern Sumatra and Chicago. Some of us build data systems. Some of us grow coffee. All of us believe that STEM works best when it's rooted in something real.
Konong Sembiring
Konong is a seasoned photographer, videographer, and field scientist based in Berastagi, Northern Sumatra. With a professional photography background from renowned publication companies in Jakarta, Indonesia, he collaborates with orangutan-stem on agricultural video surveys using drones and advanced sensors. Konong also serves as a certified jungle trekking guide for global visitors at Gunung Leuser National Park. His skills span video and photography editing, data management, and the creation of STEM curricula focused on ecology, environmental science, and agriculture.
Michael Stack
Mike is a data architect originally from the Chicago area (Oak Lawn, Illinois). After traveling solo to Northern Sumatra in 2019 to trek Gunung Leuser National Park, he partnered with Wilson and Konong to invest in the community, building what would become orangutan-stem. What started as a portfolio project has grown into a thriving orchard, guest accommodations, a full-service restaurant, and an integrated data infrastructure. His background spans data architecture, software engineering, and STEM education.
Wilson Sembiring
Wilson is a world-class coffee farmer, entrepreneur, and community advocate from Northern Sumatra. Known locally as 'Willie,' he runs the highly successful PE88 Tavern in Berastagi, a beloved gathering place for locals and travelers alike. He has spent years organizing local coffee farmers to fight for fair commodity pricing. As co-founder of orangutan-stem, Wilson brings deep agricultural knowledge, a passion for protecting Sumatra's forests, and an unwavering belief that the people who grow the product should be the ones who decide its value.
Jabriel Crawford
Jabriel brings years of experience as a software engineer at Amazon and currently at Google. Originally from Chicago, his passion for technology is evident in his ability to unravel complex problems and simplify intricate challenges. Jabriel distinguishes himself as an exceptionally skilled developer, teacher, and mentor, transforming demanding real-world problems into straightforward and enjoyable learning experiences.
Interested in connecting with the orangutan-stem network?
mike@orangutan-stem.com