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)

Photo: Social Education forms part of TSE Group’s commitment to building manpower in South Papua

SOUTH PAPUA – It takes a different approach to teach rural students compared to teaching those in big cities. From content to delivery, every part must be relatable to get lessons across.

TSE Group knows this well — and practices it at every Social Education event. Social Education refers to the company’s short educational sessions, which are held at local schools and feature fun, light activities.

It’s a fresh change for rural education, at least for the teachers. Praise has been coming from those working at partner schools and seeing efforts being made to provide general knowledge on a regular basis.

Ence Keterina Kesehai B.Ed., who leads YPK Harapan Selil Elementary (SD Yayasan Pendidikan Kristen Harapan Selil), said TSE Group’s presence, through Social Education, has been impactful on her students.

Photo: Students welcome the Social Education events at YPK Harapan Selil Elementary and Asiki Public Junior High

“I’m grateful for the company’s visit and initiative to share this knowledge with us. [It would] motivate our kids to continue learning,” said Kesehai on Friday (4/24/2026).

Yustin, B.Ed, agreed. The teacher from Asiki Public Elementary (SDN Asiki) said there are immediate benefits from the sessions.

“TSE Group’s general knowledge class has encouraged our students to ask more questions. They’ve grown more curious and wanting to understand what they learn better.”

TSE Group’s General Manager, Daniel Sim Ayomi, said this program is part of the company’s commitment to building manpower where it operates.

“We realize that better welfare isn’t just about having better finances, but also better education. Through an initiative that offers new perspectives, we hope to encourage young Papuans to dream bigger, while preparing them for the future.”

TSE Group, which runs an oil palm plantation and management business in South Papua, is committed to making real contributions through Social Education and other Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) programs. (PR)

Photo: PT Berkat Cipta Abadi’s desk and chair donations are welcomed with joy at YPK Harapan Selil Elementary (SD YPK Harapan Selil) and Kigorun Public Elementary (SD Negeri Kigorun). These donations are part of a broader initiative to improve education quality at the company’s operational locations

MERAUKE – PT Berkat Cipta Abadi (BCA), a subsidiary of Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group, on Thursday (4/23/2026) donated 50 sets of chairs and desks to two elementary schools in Ulilin District, Merauke Regency, South Papua, where the company operates.

These schools are YPK Harapan Selil Elementary (SD YPK Harapan Selil) and Kigorun Public Elementary (SD Negeri Kigorun), each of which received 25 sets. The classroom furniture were distributed in a symbolic ceremony featuring BCA, YPK Harapan Selil, and Kigorun representatives.

Such donations are part of a broader educational initiative, realized through Corporate Social Contribution programs, which seeks to enhance comfort and learning effectiveness.

Proper study facilities are one of the factors influencing learning motivation, said BCA representative Dian C. Silitubun.

“We hope that decent desks and chairs help the students be more comfortable during classes, and improve their focus and motivation.”

Photo: One of the classes taking place at Kigorun Public Elementary (left) The distribution ceremony for the donations at YPK Harapan Selil Elementary (right)

BCA’s support was welcomed with joy, with Kigorun teacher Oktofin Assi giving his praises.

“We’d like to thank PT BCA and TSE Group. Better facilities make learning easier through enhanced comfort, and we as teachers also get to create a pleasant class environment.”

Soon, the students at Kigorun and YPK Harapan Selil were busy trying their new seats and tables, their faces showing excitement.

Onwards, BCA vows to strengthen its synergy with local communities through social and educational programs, part of its ongoing efforts to promote manpower and regional development in its locations. (PR)

Photo: TSE Group directly involves women workers in plantation operations, spanning from oil palm maintenance to harvest. Their presence in the organization reflects both their contribution to industrial productivity and continuity.

SOUTH PAPUA – Female workers play key roles in TSE Group’s palm oil production chain in South Papua. Their presence is visible across plantation blocks, extraction facilities, and administrative offices amid the company’s growing operations.

From the early hours, they can be seen tending to a different task — from plant care to harvesting to milling to clerical support — demonstrating immense industry-supporting capabilities.

Among these hardworking talents are Adel Samfan and Helmi Yongeneelen. Samfan, who goes by Adel, returned to her hometown of Boven Digoel to work at the Public Relations Department after studying in Yogyakarta.

Her move was based on a desire to build her community. “I want girls in my village to know that they can be financially independent and keep their identities as [indigenous] Papuans,” Adel said Thursday (4/23/2026).

Meanwhile, Sulawesi native Yongeneelen, also known as Helmi, is assigned to PT Tunas Sawa Erma’s Division 9, where she helps with administrative needs. Her job comes with exposure to dynamics of plantation activities, in addition to a diverse work environment.

She sees professionalism as key to performing her duties well. “It’s not a matter of [our] gender, but of [making] quality and responsibility [a priority].”

TSE Group’s involvement of women workers reflects its inclusive culture, one that enables the demographic to take technical and managerial positions regardless of work experience and educational background.

By fostering this culture, the company empowers such employees — improving their technical competencies — while also expanding job opportunities in plantation management. On a larger note, having women in the workforce has also driven dynamic changes in palm oil and other natural resource-based sectors.

With female workers assuming broader roles, including in South Papua, local palm oil operations are showing progress that focuses not only on production, but also on workforce inclusivity. (PR)

Photo: Gane Dalam (Inner Gane) fishermen accept five ketinting (long-tail) vessels with outboard engines from PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM) in South West Gane District, South Halmahera, Monday (4/20/2026)

South Halmahera – Several ketinting (long-tail) vessels were donated to the fisherman community in Gane Dalam (Inner Gane) Village, part of South West Gane District in South Halmahera. This initiative by PT Gelora Mandiri Membangun (GMM) seeks to drive productivity and welfare gains for coastal settlements.

Present at the donation ceremony on Monday (4/20/2026) were representatives of the beneficiaries, the South West Gane District Government, the Gane Dalam Village Government, the Gane Dalam Village Council, as well as local military units.

At GMM’s main camp, fisherfolk received five vessels equipped with 4-stroke engines to help them expand their fishing range, boost catch, and generate bigger income.

Despite its huge marine resources, South West Gane continues to struggle with limited fishing equipment, most importantly fishing vessels, said GMM’s Director Jibae Park.

“There continues to be a lack of tools, a lack of infrastructure for accommodating the vast, untapped marine potential,” Park said. “We want to help the fishers increase their fishing range, productivity, and eventually standards of living.”

GMM’s donation demonstrates a commitment to promoting South Halmahera’s agro-marine program and economic development in immediate communities. Park believes their collaboration with local governments, law enforcement agencies, and residents contributes to sustainable development in the marine and fisheries sector.

At the ceremony, Gane Dalam Village leader Risman B. Dulhaji shared his praise with the company, whose aid aligned with the needs of the village’s fishermen.

“This will really help our people catch more fish and make more effective sea trips, and then everyone can see their lives improve for the better.”

In response, GMM encouraged the recipients to “make the most” of the donation and keep the vessels maintained to benefit their community in the long term.

This support is part of GMM’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) programs, which focus on enhancing welfare and strengthening bonds with the people it serves. (*)