This event is attended by IPB University’s bird-of-paradise and pig-nosed turtle research teams, South Papuan Governor Apolo Safanpo, South Papua’s Papua’s People Assembly Chairman Damianus Katayu, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) officials, management authorities, academicians, and Indonesian Palm Oil Association members

BOGOR — Despite climate changes, the responsible management of production forests and riverscapes continues to help protect pig-nosed turtle and greater bird-of-paradise homes in Papua, said a four-year joint research between IPB University and Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group.

This finding was made public at “Melindungi Ikon Papua: Pemantauan Jangka Panjang Kura-kura Moncong Babi dan Cenderawasih” (Preserving Papua’s Icons: Long-Term Observation of Pig-Nosed Turtles and Birds-of-Paradise), a wildlife conservation seminar and workshop held Friday (2/6/2026) in Bogor. The event was part of a long research project conducted by IPB University and TSE Group since 2022.

Another point highlighted consistent occurrences of greater birds-of-paradise (Paradisaea apoda) within TSE Group’s production forests, where selective harvesting is practiced. Throughout the study, over 100 birds were identified across two forest concessions, with half of the area showing high levels of habitat suitability.

Authors have also found success in documenting lekking (mating) events, and recognizing lek and food-producing trees that are key to the species’ longevity.

Prof. Ani Mardiastuti — in charge of the greater birds-of-paradise research — said forest management practices that maintain high conservation value (HCV) areas and employ selective harvesting contribute to endemic bird preservation in Papua.

“Responsibly-managed production forests remain capable of supporting the lives of birds-of-paradise, and even hold potential for birding ecotourism.”

Meanwhile, on the freshwater front, a close examination of the pig-nosed turtles revealed climate change as an increasingly defining factor for the species’ breeding success.

Extreme precipitation and flooding on the Kao River have caused spawning failure in multiple observation sessions, underscoring the need for conservation strategies that rely both on habitat safeguarding and climate adaptation.

Pig-nosed turtle researcher, Prof. Mirza D. Kusrini, emphasized the importance of long-term monitoring in studying the effects of weather anomalies on animal life cycles.

Prof. Mirza D. Kusrini, Prof. Ani Mardiastuti, and Dr. Yeni A. Mulyani speaking on pig-nosed turtle, greater bird-of-paradise, and herpetofauna research conducted by IPB University’s Forestry and Environment Faculty and TSE Group

“Prolonged observations are crucial for understanding weather anomaly impacts on breeding success. By working with locals, we can ensure conservation efforts continue unabated.”

From a business perspective, this research establishes stronger foundations for accountable forest management practices. TSE Group’s Director Wicklief F. Leunufna affirmed local environmental and wildlife preservation as part of the company’s commitments.

“Through our research collaboration with IPB University, we aim to continuously align our operations with evidence-based conservation.”

This seminar slash workshop featured a cross-sectoral discussion forum that identified opportunities and obstacles to long-term observation. The segment also suggested science-based policy and technical recommendations for protected wildlife management in Papua.

IPB University’s Forestry and Environment Faculty Dean, Prof. Dodik Ridho Nurrochmat, hoped to see their study being referenced in future regional policymaking.

The seminar is part of IPB University and TSE Group’s accountability reporting in regard to this long research project

“We hope this forum becomes a platform for knowledge exchange, as well as stakeholder input and mandate to keep our research aligned with needs for actionable policies.”

South Papuan Governor Apolo Safanpo, also in attendance, said data-driven research is central to public policy decisions. Credible studies ensure development decisions and natural resource management are carried out with respect to the people and planet, he added.

Altogether, IPB University and TSE Group’s joint project covers wildlife population monitoring, HCV area protection, and technical recommendation development for managing key species. Its results are expected to serve as a valuable reference for local governments, businesses, and other stakeholders in strengthening wildlife and broader ecosystem conservation in Papua, especially in the face of climate change pressures. (*)

To achieve Net Zero Emissions, TSE Group has integrated the Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) sector, along with the energy and industrial sectors into its decarbonization strategy, ensuring that its entire supply chain contributes to comprehensive emission reductions.

In addressing the climate change challenges, SBTi provides a clear, science-based framework for companies to set measurable emission reduction targets, enabling industries to responsibly contribute to the transition toward a low-carbon economy. This initiative also supports TSE Group develop a transparent and credible mitigation strategy, ensuring a sustainable shift to a low-carbon future.

TSE Group’s approved greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets are as follows:

We are committed to reducing emissions through the phased development of Biogas Power Plants at five locations, the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), and the transition from biodiesel to biogas-powered energy and solar panels as renewable energy sources. Additionally, we are implementing sustainable agricultural practices by replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers and biochar, along with various other initiatives to support the Net Zero Emissions 2050 target.

Through this commitment, we reaffirm the company’s strategic role in supporting the global decarbonization agenda and strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to build a sustainable future.

Jakarta, 28 March 2025

Management of TSE Group

Photo: Enthusiasm can be seen in the audience as they listen to the speaker

BOVEN DIGOEL – A major factor in biodiversity disruption is the lack of understanding surrounding natural resources and their management. Without real actions to correct this, it will become a bigger concern with serious impacts on environmental longevity.

Prevention is critical to avoid these impacts — measures include children- and youth-oriented awareness campaigns, which are most effective despite their size.

Such campaigns are run by Tunas Sawa Erma Group, an oil palm plantation and management company in South Papua. It is through these social and environmental educational activities (called “Social Education”) that TSE Group encouraged students at Boven Digoel Public Agribusiness and Agrotechnology Vocational High 4 (Naga Subvillage, Boven Digoel Regency) to protect their natural surroundings.

An air of enthusiasm spread among the 87 participants. Students looked engaged with the topic brought on by a company-appointed speaker that Thursday (2/7). The audience was encouraged to develop better sensitivity to current environmental issues, as well as take part in habitat preservation and environmental upkeep.

“This morning activity [campaign] is very useful for me and my friends… it helps us understand the environmental issues happening around us,” said tenth-grader Melia Endomup, who attended.

Photo: The inclusion of a speaker aims to sharpen student sensitivity towards current environmental issues

The campaign wrapped up with a prized quiz on the topic. This quiz aimed to test students’ level of understanding and recognize active participants. Winners were rewarded with attractive presents.

Social Education is part of the company’s education-oriented Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) programs. TSE Group pledges to take active roles in biodiversity and nature conservation through tangible actions and sustainable oil palm plantation governance. (PR)

Photo: TSE Group director Luwy Leunufna accepts the company’s Sawit Indonesia Award plaque in person

JAKARTA – TSE Group’s Net Zero Emissions commitment received recognition at the 2024 Sawit Indonesia Award held Thursday (12/12). At this prestigious show, the palm oil corporation won the “Huge Contribution to Net Zero and Climate Change Mitigation” category.

TSE Group director Luwy Leunufna accepted the plaque in person. Sawit Indonesia awards are presented to individuals or entities with an outstanding track record in the palm oil industry. Winners are chosen based on two factors: performance and product quality.

“This is our [Sawit Indonesia Magazine] third time holding the Sawit Indonesia Award, which is part of an effort to build and strengthen the local palm oil sector. At the peak of this event, we would present awards to institutions, companies, and influential industry figures before [after] they undergo our internal evaluation process with input from our editorial board. These awards are our way to recognize their dedication and contribution throughout the year,” explained Qayyum Amri, Sawit Indonesia Magazine’s editor-in-chief.

TSE Group was awarded “Huge Contribution to Net Zero and Climate Change Mitigation” for its response to state calls for supporting 2060 Net Zero Emissions and Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Indonesia has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 29% under the business-as-usual scenario and 41% with international help by 2030.

The company group plays its part in Net Zero efforts by following Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards in defining objectives.

Sawit Indonesia awards are presented to individuals or entities with an outstanding track record in the palm oil industry

Its efforts are translated into key initiatives, such as biogas power plant construction, biochar research (and facility purchase for the research), EV use in daily operations, and solar panel installment to provide lighting in plantation areas.

TSE Group has also replaced its chemical fertilizers with organic ones from empty fruit bunches (EFB) for oil palm maintenance. Chemical fertilizers are deemed the world’s second biggest emissions source after POME; they discharge nitrogen oxide in production and contribute to global warming, making an impact 300 times bigger than carbon dioxide.

As a major global grower of oil palms, Indonesia views this commodity as its economic driver and carbon sink. Oil palm trees soak up 25 tons of CO₂ annually compared to other varieties at only 6 tons of CO₂, said the Director of Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. (*)

Photo: Dongin Prabhawa (DP) promoted the School Immunization Month (BIAS) at YPK Mam Elementary in Ngguti District, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province on Tuesday (11/26)

SOUTH PAPUA – TSE Group subsidiary Dongin Prabhawa (DP) recently collaborated with the DP Clinic staff to promote School Immunization Month (abbreviated as BIAS in Indonesian), an annual government program providing booster vaccinations for elementary school students. Its goal is to strengthen immune systems in school-aged children, enabling them to fight against serious, growth-affecting diseases like measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and rubella.

An event was set up in YPK Mam Elementary in Ngguti District (Merauke Regency, South Papua Province) on Tuesday (11/26). DP Clinic opened by introducing clean and healthy habits before administering shots.

Around 75 students joined the session and later received mung bean porridge from the company to boost nutritional intake. Excitement could be seen in the audience as they welcomed the medical team.

“This health service support is part of our social responsibility and duty to improve the well-being of local communities. We are committed to providing support and aid to ensure a continuous run of BIAS,” said Dongin Prabhawa representative Habibi.

Since last October, DP has accommodated BIAS events at nearby schools. Currently, there are 322 students whom the company helped vaccinate, considering that 6-12-year-olds lack developed immunity and are prone to contracting diseases compared to adults.

These risks may increase under poor environmental and lifestyle conditions, further exposing children to infections of varying severity. Having a mature immune system is key to protecting their health and promoting optimal growth and development.

After the shots, YPK Mam students received mung bean porridge to boost their nutritional intake

BIAS offers a way for companies to dedicate health improvement efforts for elementary students through access to life-saving vaccines. Dongin Prabhawa supports this program in its Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) initiative that fosters community well-being. [Besse/Humas PPA MGT]

Photo: PT Papua Agro Lestari (PAL) organized a reading and writing class for children of Mutimangge Subvillage in South Papua, Saturday (11/2)

SOUTH PAPUA – Every child deserves proper education. But many do not enjoy this right — notably those living in Indonesia’s remote, backward, and frontier areas, where access to quality schooling is impeded by poor building conditions, limited facilities and tools, and teacher shortages.

Stories like this are common in most hinterland communities, including Mutimangge Subvillage in South Papua. Its lack of learning infrastructure has deprived much of its younger population of the ability to read and write.

Fearing their kids would never taste school life, some families have decided to move out of the area and into places where there are better schools.

Due to this, PT Papua Agro Lestari (PAL) — Papua-based oil palm plantation company under Tunas Sawa Erma Group — felt called to run a basic literacy class for the subvillage’s youth and school-aged children.

On Saturday (11/2), this class introduced numbers and letters to the minors dwelling outside PAL’s plantation in Ulilin District, Merauke Regency, South Papua Province.

It demonstrated PAL’s efforts to support basic education improvements in underdeveloped regions, giving locals the fundamental skills they need to access more educational opportunities.

Most of the audience that day were teenagers who embraced the lesson joyfully despite the simple class setting. The event took place in a tent with tarp flooring and provided basic stationeries.

Yet, these conditions did nothing to dampen the audience’s spirits. Learning in an open space offers the students a greater chance to explore their surroundings and creates an environment that encourages curiosity and more casual interaction with teachers and peers.

PAL’s literacy class receives a warm welcome from Mutimangge children, who are active throughout the session

“This activity is part of our efforts to pay greater attention to younger people. Many of them have passed school age but lack reading and writing skills due to inadequate learning facilities,” explained Simonsius Sibha, PAL’s PR section leader.

Sibha added that the Mutimangge kids would be furthering their education at an elementary school within PAL’s operational site.

This literacy class is integral to Corporate Social Contribution (CSC), PAL’s CSR initiatives that reflect a commitment to education improvement in the heart of Papua. It is designed for long-term execution and expansion to remote areas around PAL’s base to provide better educational access for local communities. [Besse/Humas PPA MGT]

Photo: Berkat Cipta Abadi (BCA) handed over rubber rolling machines to Aiwat and Subur villagers on Friday (11/1)

SOUTH PAPUA – On behalf of Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group, subsidiary Berkat Cipta Abadi (BCA) delivered rubber rolling machines for the farming collectives of Aiwat and Subur subvillages in Subur District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua Province on Friday (11/1).

This donation holds meaning for both communities, where rubber farming is a main source of income. Each area receives one machine, which the company expects to support productivity and improve farmer prosperity.

For years, the farmer group in Subur Subvillage worked with a hand-operated roller, which is now worn out. Yet, they can’t buy a new one due to financial constraints. Limited access to electricity further complicates production, leading to substandard output.

Such circumstances led Subur local Kaitanus Tinggin to express his appreciation for the rolling machine, which he said is “very useful”.

“My gratitude goes out to BCA for the help. It will definitely motivate [our] farmers to work and improve product quality and quantity. With increased productivity, they can positively impact their lives.”

Rubber rolling machine provision is a testament to the company’s awareness of community well-being

Rubber rolling machine provision is part of BCA’s efforts to enhance the efficiency and productivity of community-run rubber plantations. The company had also brought sago grating machines for Subur and Aiwat a year prior.

Machinery assistance is included in BCA’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) programs. It’s a CSR initiative to empower the local economy through rubber cultivation support. This program also demonstrates BCA’s commitment to promoting economic sustainability in the local society, mainly in communities reliant on rubber farming. [Besse/Humas PPA MGT]