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: 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)

Photo: TSE Group’s 2026 quiz bowl, held for National Education Day, thrills participants and spectators in Asiki, Jair District. This event offers a way for local students to test their knowledge, build confidence, and grow their passion for achieving success

BOVEN DIGOEL – A junior high school-level quiz bowl transpired at the main hall of TSE Corporate University on Monday (5/11/2026) to honor National Education Day and support education improvements in Boven Digoel.

Testing local students on subjects like math and general knowledge, “Bersama TSE Group, Generasi Cerdas Indonesia Emas” (With TSE Group, Smart Generation, Golden Indonesia) strived to maintain fair play and sportsmanship.

Quiz bowls go beyond sharpening academic abilities — they also build character, said TSE Group’s General Manager, Daniel Sim Ayomi. By providing these healthy competitive experiences, the company seeks to help learners develop critical thinking, a sense of teamwork, and self-confidence.

“Quiz bowls are long-term investments, in that they foster critical reasoning skills, attention to detail, collaboration, and a strong mentality among young people, our future generation,” added Ayomi at the event.

Recognizing the power of education to equip youth against challenges, TSE Group continues to bring impactful educational programs to children in Boven Digoel and the company’s other locations.

That Monday (5/11/2026) was particularly thrilling, with teams laser-focused on answering questions while showing strong teamwork and public speaking.

Martinus Rangga, a teacher from Jair Public Junior High (SMPN Jair), said the event created a fun learning environment that also boosted the drive to learn and grow.

Photo: As teams focus on answering every question, they get to assess their understanding of lessons while building motivation, confidence, and competitiveness

“Activities like this benefit and inspire the students. They make learning fun, build confidence, and boost the drive to learn and grow.”

Meanwhile, contestant Patrisia Tanggarofa, also from SMPN Jair, admitted to feeling nervous. Yet, the experience proved valuable, allowing her to become more confident and motivated to improve.

“[Doing] this quiz bowl is a valuable experience for me,” Tanggarofa said. “It helped me have more courage, confidence, and motivation to continue learning.”

The intense match ended with Nurush Shobah Islamic Junior High (MTS Nurush Shobah) winning, followed by SMPN Jair and Mam Public Junior High (SMPN Mam) in second and third place.

This TSE Group initiative aims to keep competition alive among Papuan students, in addition to helping them tap into their potential and become the Golden Indonesia generation. (PR)

PHOTO: Through its presence at the graduation ceremony of local playgroup Anak Hebat Mandiri, PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM) continues to show support for early childhood education — which shapes well-rounded, mentally agile individuals

SOUTH HALMAHERA – The spirit of festivity and pride filled the air on Monday (5/11/2026) as local PAUD KB (equivalent to a playgroup) Anak Hebat Mandiri celebrated the graduation of its third batch of students in Gane Dalam.

Attending was PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM), which has been supporting the facility. This initiative is part of several efforts aimed at promoting better early education across its operational locations.

Since the early morning, the venue had been surrounded by graduation caps, excited little faces, and warmth from the presence of parents, teachers, and GMM executives. The ceremony commenced with a heartfelt rendition of Indonesia Raya, followed by engaging student performances in which their innocence and confidence shone through.

More than an annual event, it’s a recognition of the children’s learning journey as well as development throughout the playgroup program.

Byungjun Lim, on behalf of GMM executives, said early education is integral to shaping character, independence, and social skills.

“Children get to learn reading, writing, counting, singing, and most importantly, picking up the values ​​of friendship, honesty, and respect. All these lessons are essential for the next stage of education,” Lim said.

PAUD KB Anak Hebat Mandiri is a testament to GMM’s work in supporting local manpower development. The company has helped meet the school’s operational needs from uniforms, stationery, learning facilities, to teacher support, enabling smooth delivery of lessons and ensuring decent education for students.

Beyond these initiatives, GMM is rolling out long-term social and development programs ranging from infrastructure aid, healthcare assistance, to community empowerment support.

The company believes people development goes hand in hand with improvements in quality of life. That’s why it strives to benefit local communities and ecosystems.

Throughout their time at the playgroup, PAUD KB Anak Hebat Mandiri graduates have shown tremendous growth in foundational knowledge, discipline, independence, and public speaking and performance — a benefit not missed by local parents. (PR)

Photo: One of TSE Group’s Social Education sessions. This program seeks to deliver impactful, valuable learning experiences that inspire young minds

SOUTH PAPUA – TSE Group further cements its support for local education through initiatives targeting primary and secondary students across its locations. These initiatives are part of efforts to boost manpower development and Papuan children’s access to education.

“We want these kids to believe their future is bright, and know education connects them to that future,” said General Manager Daniel Sim Ayomi. “We hope to be a part of this journey towards their dreams.”

One way TSE Group meets its goal is through Social Education. These are non-academic sessions held at local schools that feature fun activities like educational games, motivational talks, quizzes, and light discussions on various topics.

Such topics include general knowledge and personal development, particularly values such as discipline, self-confidence, passion for learning, and the courage to dream big. In addition to this, Social Education promotes healthy behavior (e.g., avoiding drug abuse).

Partner schools have generally been receptive to this initiative, with the latest, Jair Public Junior High (SMP Negeri Jair), giving its praises. Principal Hermanus Wamte is especially seeing positive impacts on students and the learning environment.

“As teachers, we think these sessions benefit the school greatly [and so] we fully welcome and support such works that have been really positive for the kids. We rarely, if ever, have something like this, so huge thanks to TSE Group,” said Hermanus on Saturday (5/9/2026).

Photo: As an enrichment session, Social Education provides a fun learning environment, in addition to broadening world views and knowledge

Social Education, he added, is helping Jair Public Junior High students grasp the importance of protecting themselves from negative influences that can disrupt their learning and future.

“These sessions are guiding our students to avoid harmful behavior. This way, they won’t be distracted in their studies and from their goals, ensuring a safe future.”

Social Education allows TSE Group to encourage workforce development that starts as early as elementary school. The company aims to make young Papuans more confident in their learning and vision.

Through programs like education support, TSE Group helps build well-rounded, knowledgeable, and future-ready talents, thereby contributing to the communities it serves. (PR)

Photo: Staff member of PT Berkat Cipta Abadi (BCA) accompanies the young participants of BCA’s drawing contest at YPK Harapan Selil Kindergarten on Monday (5/4/2026), held for National Education Day

MERAUKE – Jair District’s Selil Village is doing National Education Day a little differently this year. Its celebration on Monday (5/4/2026) united local kindergarten and elementary students with PT Berkat Cipta Abadi (BCA) employees in a fun, ceremonial way.

Festivities ranged from a prized drawing contest at YPK Harapan Selil Kindergarten (TK YPK Harapan Selil) to classroom decorating activities at Kigorun Public Elementary (SDN Kigorun) that enhance learning environments.

Both events were hosted by BCA as part of the company’s social programs and support for children at its location, said representative Dian C. Silitubun.

“We want to use this moment to encourage students and instill in them the sense of teamwork and belonging. Our goal is to make them feel comfortable and valued in their learning journey.”

Silitubun added that these creative, educational activities offer an engaging learning experience and a means for early character development. At YPK Harapan Selil Elementary, the impacts are particularly noticeable; principal Ence Keterina Kesehai is seeing greater learning drive, teamwork, responsibility, and creativity.

Photo: Aiming to enhance learning spaces, BCA’s classroom decorating session also demonstrates teamwork and camaraderie among students and BCA representatives

“We hope events like this continue, and build passion for learning in addition to values like solidarity and empathy.”

The commemoration in Selil represents shared efforts between the private and education sectors to promote rural youth development. Through fun and educational approaches, BCA is ensuring local children have the motivation to grow as individuals with integrity, creativity, and strong environmental awareness.

The company also gets to demonstrate its contribution to social and educational development in eastern Indonesia. (PR)

Photo: Jibae Park, PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM)’s director, stands alongside the teams competing in GMM’s Labor Day soccer game

SOUTH HALMAHERA – This year’s Labor Day in South Halmahera was celebrated with sports — at least at PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM).

The palm oil company took the moment on Friday (5/1/2026) to honor its hardworking staff and strengthen their bond.

Festivities at GMM’s main camp featured Director Jibae Park, who cheered for the players and shared the event’s purpose: making time for reflection, building stronger relationships, and boosting motivation.

“We want to bring everyone closer together and create a good working environment. We hope that through out-of-work interactions, our teams can feel a sense of fellowship, gain respect for one another, and collaborate even more closely.”

Labor Day at GMM included an all-male soccer match that was both intense and respectful. Loud cheers and supportive presence from non-playing coworkers further amped up the atmosphere.

Such excitement was not without reason. Soccer is embedded in the South Halmaheran culture — every game brings an opportunity for economic boost and social connection.

Photo: GMM’s female employees take part in the celebration, playing bola dangdut (a game combining soccer and dance)

The two-part occasion continued with a bola dangdut competition for GMM’s female employees. Combining soccer and dance, this activity was fun from start to finish. The distinctive beat of dangdut (Indonesian folk music) raised the overall energy, with players demonstrating solid teamwork and entertaining performances.

These celebrations reiterated a commitment to enhancing staff well-being, not only in terms of financial security but also social health through positive bonding activities. (PR)