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)
