Photo: The vibrant ceremony sets the stage for construction activities forming part of the plasma plantation project. Upon completion, the estate will be solely managed by nine indigenous clans in Ulilin District

SOUTH PAPUA – The Inggyash Ghuzi Cooperative in Ulilin District, Merauke Regency held a traditional ceremony Thursday (6/25/2026) in honor of the upcoming construction of a local plasma plantation, which, upon completion, will be operated solely by nine indigenous clans.

Leader of the Cooperative and the Koula clan, Richard Nosai Koula, said this project is a long time coming — hence the festivities, which symbolize gratitude to the ancestors.

“We hope land clearing and planting can take place immediately after this ceremony. We’re aiming for 500 hectares in the first year, and more in the second and third years, until we reach 3,700 hectares,” Richard, as he’s called, said eagerly.

Inggyash Ghuzi was founded in 2016 as a platform for the clans to explore entrepreneurial ventures and build collectively-owned businesses. The cooperative now holds a right to cultivate (HGU) for 4,607.2 hectares of land, of which 3,755 hectares are allocated for oil palm cultivation. The remaining 852 hectares will be a High Conservation Value (HCV) area dedicated to environmental preservation, as per the Cooperative’s commitment.

To support the plasma project, Inggyash Ghuzi is working with PT Bangun Papua Luhurkarya (BPL), whose job is to ensure farm development and management are run in line with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Best Management Practices (BMP).

Photo: In attendance were the head of Merauke Regency’s Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation, representative from Merauke Regency’s Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and MSMEs, provincial, regency, and district government officials, and local community members

Prior to construction, the team went through several steps, said Maria Andini, BPL’s director. These included public briefing, free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) signing, partner appointment, agreement signing, HGU licensing, timber cruising, and contractor appointment for land clearing.

The next step will only begin once the HGU for the plantation is issued by the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning (slash the National Land Agency) through Merauke Regency’s Land Office.

The Thursday ceremony was attended by the head of Merauke Regency’s Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation, a representative from Merauke Regency’s Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and MSMEs, provincial, regency, and district government officials, and local community members. Their presence demonstrates support for indigenous-run oil palm farms.

“This indigenous-run farm is an exemplary project, and we hope that guidance from BPL will help Inggyash Ghuzi Cooperative and the nine clans expand their knowledge, gain better understanding, and develop more skills in oil palm management. This way, the estate can boost community income and well-being,” said Josefa L. Rumaseu, who leads Merauke Regency’s Department of Food Crops, Horticulture, and Plantation.

Meanwhile, Imakulata Mawun — on behalf of Merauke Regency’s Department of Industry, Trade, Cooperatives, and MSMEs — said this type of plasma plantation is “rare” in South Papua. Nearly all local NES (nucleus estate and smallholder) farms are centrally managed.

“Under a centralized management model, [partner] cooperatives can only receive progress reports and their share of revenue from the company, which built and manages the plasma smallholdings. On the other hand, autonomous management enables cooperatives to fully participate in smallholding operations,” said the Head of the Department’s Cooperative Unit.

Besides the government, local community leaders are also encouraging this community-oriented initiative. Youth representatives Glen Maikuin dan Piyer Basik-Basik expected job creation and better local economy, while stressing the need for prioritizing discussion should issues or disputes arise among the clans.

“We hope this farm can bring real economic benefits and the local government can give us support.”

Inggyash Ghuzi Cooperative is a legal entity established by and for nine indigenous Papuan clans in Ulilin District, Merauke Regency. It aims to grow businesses run by the members, and through this plasma plantation, deliver long-term economic impact. (PR)

Photo: The certificate presented to PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM) by the South Halmahera government. This document is a recognition of GMM’s work in opening job opportunities for local communities and advancing regional development

SOUTH HALMAHERA – PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM) was recently recognized by the South Halmahera Regency Government for its contributions to local employment and regional development. The company was presented with an award at the closing ceremony of South Halmahera Regency’s 23^rd anniversary celebration (6/16/2026).

This handover, featuring South Halmahera Regent Hasan Ali Bassam Kasuba and Vice Regent Helmi Umar Muchsin, celebrates GMM’s work in opening job opportunities for residents and driving local economic growth.

In general, the award demonstrates appreciation for businesses that side with the people, said Daud Djubedi, who leads the regency’s Department of Manpower and Transmigration.

“This is a token of our appreciation for companies and entrepreneurs who have helped create jobs and benefit our community,” said Daud.

Eligibility requirements include a strong commitment to hiring local talents. For the regency government, a business should not only propel economic activity, but also enhance community living standards.

Meanwhile, GMM sees this achievement as an impetus to deepen its role as a regional development partner. Beyond business operations, the company seeks to leverage its physical presence to deliver positive impacts — especially through work opportunities, community well-being initiatives, and support for the local economy.

On behalf of the GMM management, HR Assistant Manager Rosida Dg Hanafi called the award “a source of motivation” for strengthening corporate contributions to immediate communities.

“We, as PT GMM, would like to thank the South Halmahera Regency Government. This award encourages us to continually support local employment, improve employee well-being, and contribute to regional development through responsible and sustainable ways,” said Rosida.

GMM reaffirms its dedication to operating responsibly and sustainably. The company aims for continued collaboration with the South Halmahera government and community to ensure greater impact and progress for the region. (PR)

Photo: Willem Tutainon’s children at Miri Village receive their scholarships from TSE Group representatives

BOVEN DIGOEL – TSE Group’s scholarship program has been positively welcomed by local parents, who see it as financial relief and a source of encouragement for their kids.

Willem Tutainon, whose children are in elementary school, shared how the company consistently helps immediate communities — especially in his hometown in Miri Village, Jair District. Since 2020, his family has continued to receive regular educational support.

“The kids are so happy with the scholarship. They’re now more excited about learning and doing better in school,” said Tutainon. “This scholarship, it gives them the morale boost [they need], [and] helps them know that someone cares about their future.”

Meanwhile, fellow parent Modesta Aveterop felt the program has “brought peace of mind” regarding education costs.

As a housewife, she acknowledged its significance for local families, especially amid today’s challenging economy. Aveterop also hoped to see it continue.

Photo: Local families find educational support especially valuable amid a challenging economy

“This scholarship has really eased our burden. As parents who have little income, there were times when we had to figure out how to pay school fees. Now, both my child and I can rest easy,” said Aveterop, her voice filled with emotion when interviewed at her home Thursday (6/11/2026).

For TSE Group, investing in education means investing in Papua’s future. This belief informs its consistent approach with the program, which allows young indigenous people to continue learning, excelling, and realizing dreams.

“Education lays the groundwork for Papua’s future. We believe that quality education provides Papuans with bigger opportunities to grow, expand their capacity, and contribute to regional development,” said Daniel Sim Ayomi, TSE Group’s General Manager.

This program is part of TSE Group’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) initiatives that focus on education. It demonstrates a commitment to driving educational improvements and manpower development in places where the company operates. (PR)

Photo: The TSE Group team, Boven Digoel Regent Roni Omba, Boven Digoel government officials, and local indigenous institution members at the alternative location for the public market project. This site is chosen for its safety and convenience

BOVEN DIGOEL – On Thursday (6/4/2026), TSE Group subsidiary PT Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) sat down with the Boven Digoel Regency Government to discuss a public market project for local vendors at Jair District, Boven Digoel Regency (South Papua). Their goal is to establish a proper venue for these vendors that reflects good economic governance.

The talk was part of a visit led by Boven Digoel Regent Roni Omba, who came with officials from the local Department of Community and Village Empowerment as well as indigenous institutions. This group of guests was earlier welcomed by TSE Group’s PR General Manager Daniel Sim Ayomi and TSE executives.

Altogether, the parties represented the government, private sector, and indigenous community in a forum aimed at facilitating trade for Papuan mothers. It resulted in a range of suggestions for the site location.

Omba said this plan is included in local government efforts to improve economic infrastructure.

“Our focus is to keep vendors off the ground and provide them with better facilities to sell their goods.”

Photo: TSE Group executives and Boven Digoel Regent Roni Omba discuss ways to financially empower indigenous mothers at PT TSE’s office

Local merchants — including produce and essentials suppliers — have been using whatever space is available for operations. This brings into consideration the aspects of safety, comfort, accessibility, and alignment with long-term spatial strategies.

Moving forward, TSE is open to coordinating with government and indigenous representatives on this matter, executive Taeyul Hwam declared. TSE Group, he added, supports programs that directly impact communities.

“We welcome further discussions with the local government and community. We share the same goal, which is finding the safest, most ideal location for maximum economic impact.”

This project is hoped to significantly drive financial independence among indigenous South Papuans. Once completed, the market seeks to improve economic resilience for households, provide more productive business spaces, and preserve the key roles of Papuan mothers in their social and economic spheres. (PR)

TSE Group, Carbon Standards International, and the International Biochar Initiative have launched a palm biomass pilot in Indonesia and Malaysia. Utilizing continuous-operation kilns to pyrolyze fibrous residues, the project establishes a scalable, certified framework for 32 million tons of annual carbon removal.

TSE Group has announced a collaborative pilot initiative to convert abundant agricultural residues from palm oil plantations into high-quality biochar. Developed alongside Carbon Standards International (CSI) and the International Biochar Initiative (IBI), the project will be officially detailed at the upcoming Biochar Summit 2026 in Vienna, Austria. The operational framework is specifically designed for integration into tropical plantation landscapes across Indonesia and Malaysia, focusing on underutilized materials like Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and Oil Palm Trunks (OPT). By establishing verified production and accounting systems, the coalition seeks to establish a highly reproducible paradigm for large-scale carbon management in the agricultural sectors of Southeast Asia.

The fundamental challenge addressed by this multi-organization initiative is the severe waste-management bottleneck and carbon liability associated with regional palm oil manufacturing. Plantations across Indonesia and Malaysia generate an estimated 140 million metric tons of unutilized biomass residues each year. Historically, the vast majority of these materials are discarded to rot or are openly burned, contributing to direct greenhouse gas emissions and localized air pollution. Conventional thermal processing technologies have consistently failed to handle this specific resource due to the physical nature of tropical agricultural secondary products. The high moisture content and complex, fibrous structure of palm oil residues cause rapid mechanical fouling and thermal inefficiencies in standard reactors, which has prevented industrial-scale valorization of this waste.

To circumvent these historical engineering barriers, TSE Group developed a continuous-operation pyrolysis kiln system optimized for fibrous, high-moisture tropical feedstocks. The design was finalized in coordination with an engineering firm in South Korea and ReCORD, a clean energy research institute based at the University of Florence. By modifying feed pre-treatment and thermal residence times, the engineered kiln maintains continuous operation without requiring external infrastructure modifications, new roads, or supplementary tree plantings. Furthermore, to address the lack of rigorous corporate carbon accounting in tropical agricultural regimes, the group is integrating the industrial carbon standards of CSI to systematically verify the stability and quality of the final material.

The operationalization of this pilot framework establishes a clear pathway toward massive, verifiable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and circular resource management. Transitioning these 140 million tons of regional waste into a dedicated pyrolytic production chain presents a maximum potential yield of approximately 32 million metric tons of durable carbon dioxide removal annually. The localized deployment of these systems eliminates open-air burning emissions and returns stable carbon matrices to regional tropical soils, enhancing agricultural resilience. On a market scale, pursuing formal CSI certification provides the verification framework required to satisfy international carbon removal registries, bridging the gap between major tropical agricultural hubs and the global environmental commodity markets.

Source: biochartoday.com

Photo: A TSE Group executive presents on a topic at the latest community training at TSE Corporate University (TSE CORPU). This event is one of TSE Group’s many initiatives aimed at supporting indigenous competency building and readying young Papuans for the job market

BOVEN DIGOEL – Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group held another community training aimed at building a highly capable, competitive local workforce. This program is specifically designed to equip young indigenous people with the mental fortitude, job-specific skills, and professional competencies needed by the industry.

From June 3 to 24, 2026, facilitators from the company conducted intensive classes under a holistic curriculum that taught technical knowledge and skills like discipline, land and building tax, oil palm governance, plantation maintenance, heavy equipment maintenance, and digital administration. Participants also learned about character building and work motivation, further preparing them for the professional world.

The 18-day event held at TSE Corporate University (TSE CORPU), Asiki, Boven Digoel Regency, seeks to expand individual capacity and opportunity for taking part in employment or entrepreneurship.

TSE Group’s General Manager, Daniel Sim Ayomi, said this program is part of the company’s long-term social investment bolstering the future of young Papuans, right in their hometown.

“We don’t want them to be [passive] spectators [of developments] in their own homeland. [Having learned] practical knowledge, our children should leave this place with the skills and a bigger chance to earn a decent living. We hope this program will inspire young people from other clans to continue learning and creating,” said Ayomi at the event’s closing ceremony.

Photo: Participants focusing on the lesson (left) Camaraderie abounds among the young participants and the TSE Group management. This training is part of the company’s efforts to strengthen indigenous Papuans’ capacities

There were praises from the audience, including Marselino Kandinon. He gained a lot of new insight that broadened his perspective on work and business opportunities.

“I learned new things, especially about machinery and plantation technology. This would be valuable when I start looking for jobs or running my own business,” Kandinon said.

Through consistent community empowerment initiatives, TSE Group reiterates its balanced focus on business operations and regional development that takes into account indigenous lives and well-being. By reinforcing local talent capacities, the company hopes to continue promoting economic independence among South Papuans and providing them with long-term benefits. (PR)

Photo: TSE Group representatives and an Obinangge boy at the one-day class on Papuan wildlife preservation. This class marks a collective effort to protect the local environment and biodiversity (5/30/2026)

BOVEN DIGOEL – Papua is among the world’s most endemic-rich and biodiverse islands that require safeguarding. With this in mind, PT Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) held an environmental outreach event at Obinangge Village, part of Ki District in Boven Digoel Regency.

The event on Saturday (5/30/2026) introduced locals to endemic wildlife conservation, using dialogue to get the message across. It also featured a prized quiz for all ages, which further lightened up the atmosphere.

This outreach is part of TSE Group’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) programs that focus on environmental matters and sustainable development. The company’s ISPO team member, Fabianus Fensi, stressed the need for stakeholder involvement in conservation work. Everyone — including those living alongside nature — must take part.

“Well-preserved forests and wildlife are the most valuable things to leave to our children and grandchildren. We hope this initiative will allow us to work alongside the Obinangges, who stand at the forefront of local conservation work and who are protectors of the native environment.”

Photo: Obinangge Village leader Finasius Bovi speaking in support of TSE Group’s educational initiative

Obinangge leader Finansius Bovi praised TSE Group’s efforts, adding that they help villagers see conservation as a shared responsibility.

“This event has opened our eyes to the fact that protecting cassowaries and birds-of-paradise isn’t just the government’s job, or the company’s job. We too must take responsibility so that our kids and grandkids get to see these birds’ beauty,” said Bovi. “May this great partnership [with TSE Group] last long.”

The company sees wildlife conservation as a collective mandate to ensure a greener, more peaceful, and more sustainable future for Papua. It’s why TSE Group continues to raise awareness on this matter. (PR)

Photo: Little hands shoot up across the site where TSE Group conducts the toothbrushing demo, one of its mobile clinic activities in Jair District, Boven Digoel Regency

BOVEN DIGOEL – Medical care is hardly accessible in Obinangge Village, part of Jair District in Boven Digoel Regency. Health centers are far, forcing locals to delay screening even if symptoms arise.

Through its mobile clinic initiative, TSE Group attempts to bridge this gap between health providers and patients. The company offered free check-ups and treatment for all ages, in addition to oral health education for the children.

A toothbrushing demonstration took place Saturday (5/30/2026), setting in motion the series of activities aimed at serving health needs. This segment had PT TSE’s clinic team teach proper brushing techniques and recommended brushing time to younger residents, who gleefully practiced on their own following the speakers’ instructions.

Next was the check-up, which screened for blood pressure, body temperature, and disease history. dr. Selin Haryanto, who was in charge, noted that several cases were lifestyle- or geographically-based.

“Some of the most common complaints include muscle pain or myalgia, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) like from indoor smoke, and gastritis.”

Photo: PT TSE’s medical team serving patients in the village (left). Children showing toothy grins at the toothbrushing demo (right)

Patients were advised to maintain proper air circulation at home, adopt a balanced diet, and adapt to clean, healthy habits.

Florentina was among the people served that day. She thanked the initiative, “This kind of health service is rare here. Usually, we have to walk very far to [access healthcare] at the puskesmas (state-run public health clinic). Thank you, Tunas Sawa Erma, for meeting us directly in our neighborhood.”

The company hopes to raise awareness of healthy lifestyle choices, said TSE Group’s manager Kiin Kim. “We want to encourage the Obinangge residents to take action for their health and keep daily health and hygiene habits.”

Through the ESG-driven Corporate Social Contribution programs, TSE Group continues to deliver tangible benefits to society. For the Obinangges, this mobile service means more than examinations and medication; it’s a chance for rural communities to receive better healthcare access. (PR)

Photo: The company’s shuttle school bus facility ensures safe and timely transport of local students despite challenging plantation roads

SOUTH PAPUA – Each morning, a fleet of buses run by TSE Group plows through quiet roads in South Papua’s Ulilin District. It has a mission: ensuring students reach their schools on time — and without having to travel tens of kilometers using unsafe, low-quality transport.

Caution is practiced at all times as the four buses cross slick, muddy paths leading to their destinations.

Among the stops is Kigorun Public Elementary (SDN Kigorun), whose construction was supported by TSE Group. Its building now features fully furnished classrooms, including learning aids and student furniture donated by the company, as well as proper restrooms.

Thanks to this school-enterprise collaboration, Kigorun has become a positive learning environment and landmark for educational reform, especially in regions where TSE Group operates.

Infrastructure isn’t the only thing improving in Ulilin District. Local teachers are seeing an increase in well-being, which is most integral to the success of education. Through free housing and honorarium assistance, TSE Group removes barriers to daily needs, allowing teachers to focus on work.

These multi-faceted initiatives have been recognized by Kigorun principal Akhmad Khanifan. “The company’s direct intervention has had a transformative impact on teacher-student interaction.”

Photo: A glimpse of a normal day at Kigorun Public Elementary (SDN Kigorun). Through its donation of desk-chair sets, TSE Group has helped create a comfortable learning space for the students

Having witnessed the issues facing remote areas, TSE Group reimagines its approach to social responsibility through sustainable “Corporate Social Contribution” (CSC) programs. Corporate aid is no longer seen as a short-term charity or ceremonial activity, but as a long-term investment.

“By reinforcing educational facilities, the [TSE Group] management demonstrates its commitment to ensuring local schoolgoers study comfortably and have the same opportunity to achieve their dreams. [For us,] education forms the foundation to Papuan competitiveness and excellence,” said TSE Group’s general manager Daniel Sim Ayomi.

The impact, felt greatly by parents, has brought a sense of peace and gratitude. Matius Bunman — who’s a native and a mill worker at TSE Group — shared how the short distance between his workplace and his child’s school provides a strong sense of security. This feeling is enhanced by the company’s shuttle school bus facility.

“Even when the weather’s bad, parents can do their job in peace knowing their kids are in a safe, fully-equipped environment.”

Through consistent educational initiatives and infrastructure improvements that reach everyday people, TSE Group is slowly weaving a new narrative in Papua— one that speaks not only to the macroeconomic impacts of the palm oil sector but also to how the sector supports indigenous communities as an inclusive growth partner. By putting the right to education at the forefront of its work, TSE Group cultivates hope and confidence among young Eastern Indonesians, enabling them to step into their future with conviction. (PR)

Photo: BPDPKS scholarship awardees Antonius Aute (left) and Evelince Wombonggo (right), who now work at PT Berkat Cipta Abadi due to TSE Group’s support for indigenous workforce development

SOUTH PAPUA – Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group is championing manpower development in Papua through its support for Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS, now BPDP)’s scholarship program. It’s a program that connects indigenous Papuans with college and employment opportunities — particularly opportunities in palm oil.

Two of its awardees, Antonius Aute and Evelince Wombonggo, have now joined PT Berkat Cipta Abadi (BCA), a TSE Group company. After completing their studies, they were appointed to manage plantation activities at BCA.

Wombonggo serves as a maintenance foreman at Division 4, while Aute is a field coordinator for Division 2. Both play impactful roles in day-to-day operations, and are living testaments to the company’s work of empowering local labor.

“BPDPKS’s scholarship, as well as TSE Group’s unwavering support, changed my life,” said Wombonggo at her workplace on Monday (6/25/2026). “Getting this opportunity [to pursue a college degree and work] is proof that indigenous Papuans are capable of growing and contributing to the palm oil sector.”

Aute shared this sentiment, adding how local participation in business operations is integral to stronger company-community relationships.

“Local talents are crucial, in that they bridge company needs and community empowerment initiatives.”

Aute and Wombonggo’s story demonstrates the importance of public-private-people collaboration in ensuring long-term manpower development, said TSE Group’s General Manager, Daniel Sim Ayomi.

“We fully encourage efforts to enhance rural talent capabilities. Their [Aute and Wombonggo] success is evidence that state scholarships, corporate support, and individual hard work can come together to create true sustainability.”

Employing trained natives is part of the company’s commitment to drive social development where it operates. TSE Group aims to provide more room for growth and contribution to regional development.

Through its promotion of industry-specific scholarship, TSE Group does its part to boost youth capacities — especially in Papua. Besides expanding access to higher education, BPDPKS’s program also seeks to strengthen job readiness and adaptability to modern agricultural demands. (PR)