Photo: A contestant giving his speech at the high school-level speech competition held by TSE Group for the 81st Independence Day
BOVEN DIGOEL – On Saturday (8/8/2026), teenagers took turns standing before a panel of judges at the TSE Corporate Building in Asiki Village, filling the room with fresh energy as they shared ideas, perspectives, and hopes for the environment, education, the future of youth, and unity.
This scene was part of Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group’s speech contest, held for the 81st Independence Day under the theme “Bersama TSE Group Membangun Negeri” (Building the Nation with TSE Group). 15 students — eight girls and seven boys — participated from across high schools, vocational high schools, and Islamic high schools in the company’s operational area in Boven Digoel Regency.
Contestants were encouraged to choose from four topic categories: the impact of waste management method 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) on the learning environment; the role of Pancasila’s third principle in preventing and mitigating social conflict in heterogeneous societies; the importance of moral and ethical education for the younger generation; and the role of youth in Indigenous-informed conservation initiatives within oil palm plantation areas.
This competition means more than just winning for the students — it’s a chance to practice public speaking skills, critical thinking, and structured, persuasive communication.
“I’m happy and proud to have participated. There’s so much to gain from this competition, from new knowledge to valuable experience to confidence. Thank you, TSE Group, for giving us this opportunity,” said Norberta, an Asiki Public High (SMAN Asiki) student and first-place winner in the female category.
Photo: This event allows participants to showcase public speaking skills, express ideas, and build self-confidence
Education is vital to shaping our future generation. That’s why the goal of this event was to foster intelligence, integrity, and the ability to deliver positive changes in both South Papua and Indonesia.
“Through this opportunity, participants develop public speaking skills, self-confidence, a stronger sense of unity, and greater love for their country,” said Daniel Sim Ayomi, TSE Group’s general manager. “True victory is not only about winning, but also about having the courage to perform, learn, and inspire others.”
The speech contest allowed local students to build confidence, cultivate respect for one another, strengthen solidarity, and nurture compassion for their environment and hometown. From Asiki, the spirit of independence shines through young Papuans’ bravery to learn, express ideas, and contribute to society. (PR)
