Photo: Female workers at TSE Group are directly involved in various operations, reflecting their strategic role in supporting the palm oil industry’s productivity and sustainability.
SOUTH PAPUA – Women are playing a strategic role in supporting the operations of the palm oil industry in South Papua, particularly within Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group. Amidst the ever-growing plantation activities, the contributions of the female workforce are evident across various lines, from the field to administrative functions.
From the early hours of the morning, female employees are already engaged in operational tasks ranging from plant maintenance and fertilizing to collecting loose fruits. Meanwhile, others take on roles in the administrative and processing sectors at the palm oil mill. This active involvement demonstrates women’s capacity to support the overall sustainability of the plantation industry.
Among these dedicated workers are Adel Samfan and Helmi Yongeneelen, who reflect women’s valuable contributions to this sector. Adel, a native Papuan woman from Boven Digoel Regency, chose to return to her hometown after completing her studies in Yogyakarta. She currently works in the public relations (PR) department at TSE Group.
Adel stated that her decision to return was part of her effort to contribute to regional development. “I want the girls in my village to know that they can work, be independent, and still maintain their identity as Papuans,” she said on Thursday (23/4).
Meanwhile, Helmi Yongeneelen, an employee originally from Sulawesi, works in the administration section of Division 9 at the TSE B plantation. In her daily tasks, Helmi interacts directly with the dynamic field operations and a diverse work environment.
For Helmi, professionalism is the primary factor in carrying out her duties. “It’s not a matter of gender, but rather the quality and responsibility we put into our work,” she noted.
The presence of female workers across various positions highlights an open, inclusive space for participation within the company. TSE Group provides opportunities for women to contribute across multiple fields—including technical and managerial roles—regardless of their background.
These efforts are believed to boost the competency of the female workforce while opening up wider career opportunities within the plantation industry. Furthermore, women’s involvement is driving dynamic changes in the professional world, especially in natural resource-based sectors like palm oil.
With women taking on broader roles, the palm oil industry in South Papua is showing progress that focuses not just on production aspects, but also on workforce inclusivity. (PR)
