Photo: Ensuring firefighting readiness is part of TSE Group’s initiatives to prevent the increase in fire risks from extreme drought in South Papua

BOVEN DIGOEL – After more than four months of El Niño, South Papua has now been left vulnerable to extreme drought of unprecedented scale in a decade.

Strong winds and parched vegetation have upended the ecological balance, putting the region on red alert for wildfire risks.

This situation has pushed TSE Group to strengthen fire prevention measures since the start of the dry season last May. Its sustainability and human resources teams, along with an internal OSH committee (P2K3), have been working together to inform employees and local communities about fire-related regulations and actions to prevent fire incidents.

The company’s firefighting personnel and equipment have also been on standby around the clock.

“Our firefighting team is doing 24-hour patrols in HGU areas to ensure potential fires are immediately detected, and [if they have] spread, [they] can be contained. Recently, fire spots outside our HGU areas spread into plantation grounds. We quickly took action to keep them from expanding,” said Arnol Tahir, the assistant manager of TSE Group’s firefighting team.

In doing this, they prioritized their commitment to people’s safety. Ground personnel and fire vehicles were swiftly deployed to extinguish fires approaching nearby settlements outside concession boundaries.

“The company’s firefighting team has been a great help. They’re always ready, arriving early [to put out] fires before they get bigger. Had it not been for their action, the fires might have increased in scale and harmed residents,” said Jhon Doi, a member of Naga Village (Jair District, Boven Digoel) who lives near the Trans-Papua Highway.

Despite this, TSE Group’s capabilities are limited — the company can only do so much amid the severe conditions. Given these circumstances, its management is calling for collaborations with local governments and government agencies. TSE Group is also encouraging everyone to monitor mitigation initiatives and quell baseless speculation while focusing on safety and environmental sustainability in South Papua. (PR)

Photo: A snapshot of a greater bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea apoda) taken by the IPB University research team. This species eats fruits as part of its diet, making fruit-bearing trees vital to its habitat

SOUTH PAPUA – The survival of greater birds-of-paradise (Paradisaea apoda) is tied to their habitat — one which offers a plethora of food options like wild fruits, nectar, seeds, arthropods, and small animals.

Among these options, fruits are considered a key food source for the species. This prompted IPB University and TSE Group to delve into a research on fruit-bearing trees, specifically the kinds used by the local greater birds-of-paradise population.

Their efforts have culminated in an internationally published study titled “Fruiting Tree Used by Greater Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) in Logging Concession in South Papua”. Dr. Yeni Aryati Mulyani, Prof. Ani Mardiastuti, and a team of researchers from IPB University successfully identified six tree species that are vital for sustenance in TSE Group’s concession areas.

“Two of them — Myristica insipida and Oncosperma tigillarium — were identified through direct observation, while the other four — Calophyllum soulattri, Ficus obliqua, Myristica fatua, and Syzygium sp. — were identified based on indirect evidence,” the study stated.

All generally appear in clusters and possess structural features supporting foraging activities, such as dense crowns and extensive branching.

They are important to support the greater birds-of-paradise, which must adapt to the seasonal nature of fruits. With a wide variety of trees, the birds have plenty of food sources to choose from based on their needs and food availability.

Yet, the study notes a complicated relationship between this need for diversity and TSE Group’s vegetation management practices. Calophyllum soulattri and Myristica fatua, two of the aforementioned tree species, are classified as commercial timber.

Understanding food trees thus becomes crucial to preserve the habitat of local greater birds-of-paradise. But there’s not enough data — most of the study’s records are indirect evidence, which calls for further research and monitoring to corroborate the findings.

Nonetheless, the IPB University team recommends maintaining vegetation heterogeneity and habitat structure with a focus on riparian zones. These areas are known as major foraging hotspots for Paradisaea apoda.

In the process, long-term monitoring will be integral to establishing the effects of vegetation changes driven by concession management activities on the distribution patterns of the food trees.

Overall, IPB University and TSE Group’s work not only sheds light on these six species; it also lays the basis for understanding how food source availability, habitat structure, and forest area management connect.

For TSE Group, the study’s findings will inform its wildlife habitat management practices. Through vegetation diversity preservation and consistent monitoring, the company hopes to ensure habitat availability and the continuity of life for greater birds-of-paradise in South Papua. (PR)

Photo: Louis Maikuin stands on behalf of the local clan at the symbolic student shelter handover ceremony led by company representatives Hassanudin Pattiroy and Daniel Sim Ayomi

MERAUKE – For Indonesia’s border communities, ensuring proper access to education still feels like a huge challenge. This sentiment resonates with Mutimangge Village in Ulilin District (Merauke Regency), whose school-going children must brave the river and long roads to reach Camp PAL Public Elementary (SDN Camp PAL) in PT Papua Agro Lestari’s area.

And their journey doesn’t end at the school gates. Students have to make the same trip back home, which often leaves them exhausted and unable to keep up with lessons.

As a solution, TSE Group company PT Papua Agro Lestari (PAL) has come up with a “student shelter” — a support facility for those commuting from and to villages across its operational location.

The 135-square-meter permanent building contains two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom for the children to use before returning to their own homes.

Its inauguration on Saturday (10/3/2026) was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a symbolic key handover from PAL representatives to Louis Maikuin on behalf of the local clan and community in Mutimangge. PAL’s management and members of the village were present to watch both ceremonies.

Photo: The facility by PT Papua Agro Lestari (PAL) serves to support school-going children across its operational location

“For people in Mutimangge and surrounding villages, this shelter not only eases the physical strain [of traveling], but also gives students new hope. It [will be] really useful to us,” said Maikuin, expressing his gratitude.

PAL’s Manager Hassanudin Pattiroy hoped the facility funded under the company’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) program would be used and maintained well.

“We hope this shelter will be maintained properly. We built this facility to show support for border communities on behalf of the private sector,” said Pattiroy. “We also want to help Ulilin children reach a brighter future without having to sacrifice so much of their time and energy on travel.”

PAL’s initiative is expected to expand the access to education and make learning easier. This will give local students better opportunities to develop their potential and achieve their goals. (PR)

TSE Group demonstrates its commitment to youth development by facilitating the BPDP Palm Oil Human Resources Scholarship.

BOVEN DIGOEL – This year, South Papuan youths Cosmas Kinema and Yulius Mambi secured BPDP-KS scholarships to study at the Yogyakarta Plantation Community Academy (AKPY).

At this palm oil-focused academy, Cosmas will pursue a Diploma 1 in Palm Oil Maintenance, while Yulius enrolls in a Diploma 2 for Palm Oil Management Engineering.

Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group facilitated their departure to Yogyakarta. Through its Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) program, TSE Group provides full accommodation and living necessities for these scholarship recipients during their studies.

“I am deeply grateful for this unexpected opportunity. Thank you to TSE Group for their initial support and to BPDP for the full scholarship. Upon graduation, I aim to contribute to sustainable palm oil management in my hometown,” stated Cosmas Kinema on Thursday (10/1/2026).

TSE Group actively prepares local youths near its operational areas for this selection process. This comprehensive mentorship includes motivational support, computer training, and other essential resources to ensure their academic success.

Photo: South Papuan youths Cosmas Kinema and Yulius Mambi successfully secured the BPDP-KS scholarship this year.

“Our company consistently supports local youths pursuing higher education. In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Directorate General of Estates, TSE Group hopes these scholars will study diligently and enter the workforce well-prepared,” said Daniel Sim Ayomi, General Manager of TSE Group.

As a palm oil enterprise, TSE Group demonstrates its commitment to cultivating competent youth by supporting local participation in the BPDP’s Palm Oil Human Resources Scholarship program.

This program provides full educational assistance for children of planters and communities linked to the palm oil sector, covering Diploma 1 to Bachelor’s degrees in plantation studies.

The company has previously supported other local youths through similar scholarships. Many are now alumni or employed by the company, highlighting the program’s sustainable and tangible impact.

Through synergy among private enterprises, the government, and fund management institutions, we anticipate more competent South Papuan youths will drive regional development in the sustainable palm oil sector. (PR)

Photo: TSE Group’s Director Luwy Leunufna (second from the left) and Cenderawasih University’s Vice-Rector IV for Collaboration Dr. Basir Rohrohmana (third from the right) sign a MoU that kicks off a research and community empowerment partnership

JAYAPURA – Papua is home to a wide range of Indigenous traditions, languages, and knowledge that hold value for its people. According to the book “Tradisi & Kebudayaan Nusantara” (Traditions & Cultures of the Archipelago), the province is divided into seven customary regions based on the tribes inhabiting them — which add up to a total of 255.

This rich cultural diversity has led PT Tunas Sawa Erma from TSE Group to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cenderawasih University on Wednesday (9/30/2026) in Jayapura.

Both parties are to embark on community service and empowerment projects that will include an ethnographic study on the social, cultural, and linguistic aspects of the company’s immediate communities. The collaboration will also focus on student internships and research centered upon anthropology.

As a higher education institution, Cenderawasih University will play a vital role through its education, research, and community service functions. With its academic capacity and understanding of the local context, it will provide valuable support for sociocultural research and studies that TSE Group may need.

“By working with Cenderawasih University, PT Tunas Sawa Erma demonstrates its commitment to promoting manpower development and community empowerment in Papua through ongoing research programs, college internships, and community service initiatives,” said Luwy Leunufna, PT Tunas Sawa Erma and TSE Group’s director.

Dr. Basir Rohrohmana, Vice-Rector IV for Collaboration at Cenderawasih University, welcomed the partnership with TSE Group, which he said would help strengthen academic contributions to community well-being.

“[I see] this collaboration with Tunas Sawa Erma Group as part of efforts to cement the roles of academia as educators, researchers, and community service providers, which improve lives across Papua.”

Both TSE Group and Cenderawasih University aim to build long-term cooperation between the private and academic sectors, especially in terms of social and cultural research publication. TSE Group hopes the works can inform its process of creating community programs to better align with local conditions and priorities.

This partnership was brought on by TSE Group’s commitment as a palm oil company to implementing “No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation” principles — and improving recovery plans for affected communities by better understanding their social and cultural conditions. (PR)

Photo: PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun shows support for local communities by donating 2,000 milk cartons through three puskesmases (state-run community health centers)

SOUTH HALMAHERA – PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM) donated 2,000 packaged milk cartons to local communities through three local puskesmases (state-run community health centers) on Wednesday (9/30/2026). This initiative reflected support for people served by the facilities.

Distribution took place in the districts of South West Gane, South East Gane, and Joronga Islands, where these puskesmases are located. Together, they serve a total of eight villages.

This way, GMM could expand the reach of its aid to settlements within the service areas. The milk cartons were later given to beneficiary households to be used as needed.

Getting involved in social initiatives is one way the company works toward better relationships with immediate communities, said Director Jibae Park.

“We want to cultivate strong partnerships with the governments and healthcare providers in the places where we operate. We hope these donations are used well and help the families receiving them,” Park added.

South Halmahera Regent, Hasan Ali Bassam Kasuba, praised GMM for its assistance with many community-impacting activities.

Photo: South Halmahera Regent Hasan Ali Bassam Kasuba presents the donation to representatives of the puskesmases in a symbolic ceremony

Corporate participation in these activities contributes to shared efforts to strengthen community service and empowerment programs, he explained.

“Multi-stakeholder support is needed to improve prosperity for everyone. By participating, companies like GMM join a shared commitment to helping communities [thrive].”

This distribution is part of a broader collaboration between GMM and nearby medical facilities. With service coverage spanning eight villages, these puskesmases play a key part in ensuring support reaches residents of South West Gane, South East Gane, and Joronga Islands.

GMM hopes its initiative can provide immediate benefits to recipients and strengthen its bond with the local governments, health service providers, and people. (*)

Photo: TSE Group throws an aerobics competition for elementary schools across its locations

BOVEN DIGOEL – Driven by widespread concerns around phone overuse, Tunas Sawa Erma Group is taking tangible steps to get local youth moving and being productive. The company recently held an elementary-level aerobics competition across its locations.

Aerobics is deeper than a physical activity, said General Manager Youngseok Song. It helps build character in young people.

“Aerobics isn’t just about moving. It’s about cultivating a healthy, resilient mind and self-confidence. That’s why we must instill this habit of being active early on, when the kids are still in school, as part of their character building.”

The event, themed “Bersama TSE Group Wujudkan Generasi Sehat, Generasi Cerdas Indonesia Emas” (Building a Smart, Healthy Generation for Golden Indonesia with TSE Group), pitted eight teams from various schools against each other, with each team featuring ten students. A festive mood filled the venue at the TSE Corporate University building in Asiki Village, Jair District, Boven Digoel Regency, South Papua, on Wednesday (9/16/2026).

Joy was felt all around as participants excitedly showcased their best moves before a panel of three judges. Teams were evaluated based on synchronization, creativity, and enthusiasm.

Victoria Merlina, who came from Camp 19 Public Elementary (SDN Camp 19), said the competition gave her a unique experience. Aside from being able to perform and flaunt her skills, Victoria learned to work within a team.

“I gained more self-confidence and learned the meaning of teamwork.”

Photo: Local students are given the chance to learn about performing and teamwork while building confidence

TSE Group’s initiative received praise from Ence Katarina Kesehai, the principal of YPK Harapan Selil Elementary (SD YPK Harapan Selil). She said it gave students a platform to engage in positive activities and self-development.

Participants got to build the skills of performing, collaborating, and confidence. At the same time, they took away an important message of protecting their health through the fun, relatable activity.

“This competition has certainly improved the kids’ confidence and taught them healthy habits through a fun, productive way. The kids also learned to work with each other and develop the courage to show what they have,” Kesehai said.

After a fierce judging process, three schools came out as winners. Third place went to Nurush Shobah Asiki Islamic Elementary (MI Nurush Shobah Asiki), second place to YPK Harapan Selil, and first place to Camp 3 Asiki Public Elementary (SDN Camp 3 Asiki).

This event reflects a commitment to promoting manpower development, particularly among South Papuan youth. Through sports and enjoyable physical activities, it is expected to help children grow into healthy, smart individuals ready to achieve the “Golden Indonesia” (Indonesia Emas) vision. (PR)

Photo: PT Dongin Prabhawa representatives present a permanent home to Yustinus Walinaulik (9/12/2026) in support of community well-being, as well as decent and safe housing

MERAUKE – Yustinus Walinaulik was over the moon. The Awol Village local and Walinaulik clan leader had just received a permanent home from PT Dongin Prabhawa (DP), a subsidiary of Tunas Sawa Erma Group.

The 7×9-meter house in Okaba District, Merauke Regency, was built with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Apart from housing, the company is working on a well that will provide clean water for Yustinus’s family — which ensures their needs for comfort are met and supports their daily activities.

For Yustinus, this donation was a blessing that brought a special kind of happiness. He expressed his gratitude for the care DP had shown him and his loved ones.

“We are deeply grateful to DP for the home. It’s a tremendous blessing for our family. Thank you for caring for us,” the man said when the PR team met him on Saturday (9/12/2026).

The assistance forms part of DP’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) infrastructure programs that focus on improving community well-being. It also reflects the company’s commitment to the welfare of residents across its operational location.

Photo: Yustinus and the DP representatives tour around the house donated by DP to support community well-being

“This donation makes a part of our infrastructure-focused CSC programs. We hope it can be a proper place to live and bring comfort and joy to Mr. Yustinus and his household,” said Yunjae Cha, a manager at DP.

For the company, basic facility provision is one way to drive better quality of life. Through infrastructure development, DP seeks to create better and safer living environments, while also supporting the locals’ daily activities.

PT Dongin Prabhawa hopes to ease the lives of Yustinus’s family and give them a sense of security. The company is committed to rolling out initiatives that deliver ongoing benefits to communities, in addition to strengthening its bond with the people it serves. (PR)

Photo: Difficulties in accessing hospitals have caused sick villagers in Subur and Aiwat to ignore their symptoms

BOVEN DIGOEL – For villages along the banks of the Digoel River, mainly Subur and Aiwat in Subur District, health symptoms are something to ignore rather than treat. Difficulties in accessing larger healthcare facilities, such as the regency hospital, have led to a general attitude of neglect despite the need for urgent care.

Worse, this has persisted in spite of health issues caused by poor sanitation and the humid climate. Locals have continued to complain about diseases like acute upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and itchy skin.

“For the people here, going to the doctor is hard work. Mostly problems lie in limited transport options, like we’re solely reliant on river travel, and the time it takes to go from one place to another is also long,” said Subur Village Government member Xaverius Aute. “It’s really tough to access proper healthcare because we live in riverine areas.”

Subur and Aiwat’s predicament has drawn the attention of PT Berkat Cipta Abadi (BCA), which soon rolled out free health services at both locations. The medical team led by BCA’s clinic doctor dr. Rizal Irsan served a wide range of demographics, from children to adults to elders.

“We provide general check-ups, and medicines according to needs. With early intervention, we hope to prevent diseases from becoming chronic and help residents stay healthy,” said Dr. Rizal at a recent interview.

Photo: BCA’s health services span general examinations and medications for the children, adults, and elders

Villagers have acknowledged the positive impacts of the initiative. “The company’s free health services have been a tremendous help to our community,” Xaverius Aute added.

During the visit last July, BCA’s clinic team also taught patients clean and healthy habits, underscoring the urgency of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene as a primary preventive measure against various diseases.

Through this event, BCA demonstrated its commitment as a subsidiary of South Papuan palm oil giant Tunas Sawa Erma Group to improving local community well-being and bridging healthcare gaps in remote areas. (HMS)

Photo: PT Dongin Prabhawa introduces environmental conservation to Salamepe villagers at a Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) event in Ngguti District, Merauke Regency, in August 2026

MERAUKE – The two-hour journey did not deter PT Dongin Prabhawa (DP)’s team from going to Salamepe Village, part of Ngguti District in Merauke Regency. Traveling by land, the group had to take a path through the forest, tackling difficult terrain.

Under its Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) program, the company taught villagers about environmental conservation. This initiative is part of efforts to strengthen public awareness of protecting local ecosystems.

DP’s ISPO (Indonesia Sustainable Palm Oil) officers led the session, where they also encouraged the audience to engage in endemic biodiversity preservation. This session targeted both adults and children.

Imam Purwono, DP’s ISPO manager, said conservation education needs to be promoted more, as hunting remains rampant.

“Biodiversity is our natural wealth that we need to safeguard together. That’s why we urge communities to protect the environment at all times to prevent extinction,” Imam said at his interview last August.

Alongside this session, DP provided free health services. “We deeply value the social initiatives and efforts to help us,” said Zein Hairu on behalf of the Salamepe community.

Photo: The company also provides free health services

The medical team ran blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol screenings, offered consultations, and distributed free medicines and vitamins.

Screening results identified several illnesses, ranging from flu, fever, and coughs to malaria and skin conditions affecting children. These issues stemmed from unhealthy lifestyles, which drove the medical team to educate residents on clean, healthy habits.

DP’s work didn’t stop at adult medical exams. Toddlers and older children also benefited from the check-up and posyandu (maternal and child health) services. With this, the company hoped to ease access to healthcare and strengthen its existing bond with local communities. (PR)