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)

• Prepare and enter operational budgets based on company requirements.
• Monitor budget utilization and operational expenditures.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports on operational budgets and expenses.
• Conduct Budget vs. Actual analysis and monitor budget variances.
• Ensure accurate and timely preparation of operational financial reports.

Qualifications:

• Diploma (D3) or Bachelor’s degree (S1) in Agronomy, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a budget c
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the palm oil industry.
• Proficiency in SAP, particularly for cost tracking, budget monitoring, and reporting.
• Ability to prepare daily, weekly, and monthly budget reports.

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. (*)

• Monitor the costs of plasma plantation development carried out by third parties.
• Ensure that the progress of plasma plantation development aligns with predetermined timelines, quality standards, and budgets.
• Verify work progress, actual costs, and supporting documents as the basis for payment processing.
• Prepare project monitoring reports, actual cost reports, and periodic reports for management evaluation.
• Ensure that all administrative data, project documentation, and reports are accurate, properly organized, and well documented.
• Provide recommendations to improve monitoring processes, cost control, and project implementation efficiency.

Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor’s degree (S1) in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Civil Engineering, Management, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in plasma plantations, plantation administration (KTU), oil palm plantations, project control, or similar positions.
• Understanding of the oil palm plantation development processes.
• Familiarity with SAP as a plantation management system.
• Willingness to travel to plantation sites as required by company.

• Manage KCP operations, from kernel receipt to processing into CPKO and PKE in accordance with SOPs.
• Carry out KCP operations and perform maintenance on main and auxiliary machinery.
• Ensure that production, losses, and product quality meet established company targets and standards.
• Prepare reports and analyze KCP performance, including production, capacity, OER, losses, efficiency, and product quality.
• Troubleshoot process issues and provide recommendations to improve operational performance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience in KCP operations.
• Understanding of OER, kernel losses, throughput, extraction efficiency, and equipment reliability.
• Understanding of production processes and maintenance of industrial machinery and equipment.
• Understanding of OHS/HSE requirements in production and maintenance activities.
• Work location: KCP DP01 (Papua).