Photo: Group photo of TSE-A company representatives and scholarship awardees
BOVEN DIGOEL, 2 August 2022 – Imagine humans as a knife and education as its tip. If the tip is blunt, the knife cannot cut properly, but it is a different case when the tip is sharp. Likewise, good education plays a role in developing high-quality, productive human capital. For this reason, Tunas Sawa Erma Group (TSE Group) offered educational assistance for indigenous students, whose families hold customary land rights near company grounds. Such assistance was given in the form of scholarships through company subsidiaries TSE-A, TSE-B, TSE-C, TSE-D, and TSE-E.
The aid was distributed in stages and throughout nine locations in three different districts: Jair District (Asiki, Camp 19, Camp Inochin, Miri, Tamun Tunas, and Getentiri), Subur District (Aiwat and Subur), and Ki District (Ujung Kia). TSE representatives delivered the grant directly to students’ homes and schools.
One of these schools was SD Negeri Persiapan Miri. Aside from scholarships, stationery and books were provided to support school operations and boost learning motivation. “All of this is really meaningful to us. Now, we feel more motivated to go to school, study, and make our parents, the company proud,” said an awardee, Bibiano Oktembet.
The company’s efforts were not only felt by students but also teachers through TSE Group’s honorarium assistance. With the payment, the company aimed to boost teachers’ engagement in their day-to-day teaching activities.
Company representatives delivering scholarships straight to homes
Scholarships were handed out directly to Papuan students
Teda Gembenop, one of SD Miri’s honorary teachers, showed his gratitude for the support. He still recalled the time he received a similar scholarship from TSE Group. That moment sparked his optimism; it made him think that Papuans, too, had the chance to get proper education so they can reach their dreams and build their homeland.
“I also thank the company for this assistance they give us, it’s really inspiring,” he said.
The grant—which almost adds up to 537 million IDR—was delivered to 522 students in the inland of Papua, from elementary to college level. It is a part of TSE Group’s Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) program, as a form of the company’s concern for Papua’s educational climate.
Tunas Sawa Erma Group is a company engaging in oil palm plantation and management in Papua, and commits to the No Deforestation, No Peat, No Exploitation (NDPE) policy in managing a sustainable oil palm plantation. (PR)
