Photo: PT Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE)’s clinic doctor Wulan In Suci Mandasari gingerly checks on a Butiptiri child (7/5/2026)
SOUTH PAPUA – For the Butiptiris, a trip to the doctor normally begins with the whir of boat engines. But on Sunday, July 5, 2026, things were a little different — one could queue for a free check-up and treatment right in their hometown.
Courtesy of PT Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE), this mobile clinic is a blessing for locals, especially children and the elderly, said Butiptiri representative Magdalena Kenggi. No longer do they have to sail a long way to obtain health services.
Going to the nearest health center has always meant traveling along the Kao River and across the swamp forest Rawa Betik. This huge distance between the village and facility — coupled with harsh geographic conditions and lack of transportation — has led to delayed screenings and worsening symptoms.
TSE’s visit to the tiny settlement in Jair District, Boven Digoel Regency, is part of Corporate Social Contribution (CSC) initiatives aiming to address this issue. The event on Sunday (7/5/2026) included basic physical examination, consultation, and medicine provision based on the examination results. Not only that, patients got to learn about clean, healthy habits.
“Coughs and colds are most common among children, while body aches and high blood pressure, or hypertension, are more prevalent in adult and older patients,” said dr. Wulan In Suci Mandasari from the TSE clinic team.
To the mobile clinic guests, she suggested adopting a healthier lifestyle, which entails a balanced, nutritious diet, proper rest, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, as well as routine health checks.
Photo: The clinic team strengthens their bond with the community during the screening and treatment
Through regular health outreach sessions, TSE strives to support health improvements and close the gap in medical access, especially for the rural, isolated areas of South Papua. This initiative demonstrates a commitment to enhancing quality of life across local communities.
“We hope this program will help people reach medical care more easily and practice daily healthy habits,” said Esau Abraham Irioma, a manager at TSE.
The clinic’s presence proves that healthcare has become closer to those it serves — no need for tedious journeys through swamps or rivers. (PR)
