Photo: TSE Group remains committed to building the younger generation in South Papua through an innovative, impactful scholarship program
BOVEN DIGOEL – Egerida Yerewuk, Kristina Aeyterop, and Agustina Mayap are three Papuan sweethearts who won Oil Palm Plantation Fund Management Agency (BPDPKS) scholarships and furthered their studies at Yogyakarta Agricultural Community Academy (AKPY). But never did they think their educational journey would be a thrilling one — studying out of town meant the girls had to part with their families and move hundreds of kilometers away from home.
What’s more, going from the far east to the student city in the west is not as simple as it sounds. The trio had to adjust to and survive in a culture and climate so different from theirs.
“Adapting to the new environment does have its own challenges. But as time went by, we got to meet new friends from all over the country, and build relationships. From there, we learned and grew [as a person],” said Egerida at the discussion and gathering session held at TSE Group office in Asiki Subvillage, Jair District, Boven Digoel Tuesday (7/27).
Despite the tough circumstances, they never lost their drive to finish their studies and obtain a degree. At last, Egerida, Kristina, and Agustina reached their goal and earned a diploma for their associate (D1) degree.
“Throughout our years at AKPY, we gained a lot of knowledge and experience, from oil palm propagation, maintenance, to management at the mill. During our internship as well at oil palm companies in Kalimantan, we have familiarized ourselves with the tasks and responsibilities of a foreman, which include writing reports, creating work plans, and managing employees,” said Kristina.
PHOTO: BPDPKS scholarship alumni for the 2023-2024 term Egerida Yerewuk, Kristina Aeyterop, and Agustina Mayap talk about their study experience at Yogyakarta Agricultural Community Academy
Born in Papua, Kristina and her friends came from the fourth batch of the scholarship program and were aided by TSE Group in the course of their study. Every year, the corporation demonstrates its commitment to sending young members of local clans to higher institutions through the BPDPKS program. So far, numerous beneficiaries have graduated and gotten jobs as foremen and office staff.
“Tunas Sawa Erma Group is always committed to ensuring and promoting people development in its operational areas,” said TSE Group’s PR deputy general manager Daniel Sim Ayomi.
The purpose of the BPDPKS program is to provide recipients with better access to and wider opportunity for education. Scholarship provision is also part of TSE Group’s commitment to building the younger generation in South Papua.
Whether we realize it or not, Indonesia’s rural education continues to face hurdles, especially in terms of access, quality, and facilities. Due to these limitations, many promising youth struggle to pursue higher education. Geographical constraints and the lack of learning opportunities in these areas further aggravate the situation and restrict the potential for human resources development.
As an oil palm plantation company in South Papua, TSE Group pledges to bring this system to greater heights for children of local clans. Through the scholarship program, the company hopes to produce skilled graduates who are ready to compete in the global economy. (PR)
