The inadequate infrastructures and inaccessible area to reach out, doesn’t discourage Tunas Sawaerma (TSE) from having determination and enthusiasm to the development of the eastern region of Indonesia, by raising businesses and giving big contributions to the local government and communities.
“Tunas Sawaerma Group is becoming one of the success models of developing conducive investment in the border area,” said The Director of TSE, Kim Hoon in his speech during a panel discussion Business and Investment Forum organized by The Ministry of Rural, Rural Development and Transmigration (Kemendesa PDT), at Hotel Bidakara, Thursday (1/12).
“TSE established their plantation and processing plywood and palm oil in Asiki, Boven Digeol, Papua since 1995 when the infrastructures were still insufficient. At that time, the infrastructures were still insufficient and practically out of reach. No investor wants to invest, and maybe it was only us. Despite that fact, we could’ve thrived and be the first to contribute to the development of the Trans-Papua. Slowly but sure, TSE began to build basic infrastructures to support the business. They built 9 Mega Watt power plants which is beneficial to the vicinity community,” explained Kim.
Furthermore, he is describing it as a car as an analogy, we don’t have to wait for a luxury car to pick us up, but cheaper car is good enough for us. The problem is many businessmen are too eager to drive luxury car right away, they just waited the fine infrastructure to be ready before they started their business. In fact, basic infrastructures are enough to start up.
“Yet, our group has a long history for over 40 years old of experiences in investment in Indonesia, particularly in remote area such as Kalimantan, we have experiences for overcoming some obstacles like infrastructures and limited manpower. Therefore, we are optimist that we can contribute to the development of Papua,” said Kim.
On his speech, he also said that Its strong determination in develeping the border area in Papua is proven by sustainability business which is proceeding until now. Asiki area is now provided with adequate infrastructures, such as roads, bridges, clinics, churches and mosques which they did not have before.
“TSE contributed revenue of 30% to 50% of Merauke and District Boven Digoel, Papua. In addition, TSE also capable to hire ± 3.100 local people and most of them are being educated in the Training Centre (BLK) founded by TSE. We are not going towards community development anymore, but more towards city development. Asiki was once a remote area, but now it is more developed. Many Papua people want to change their lives, and we are very pleased to see their spirit and passion,” said Kim.
For further information, Tunas Sawaerma is a legal company in Indonesia engaged in the palm oil plantation and processing with headquarters in Papua. Tunas Sawaerma has started a palm oil business in Papua since 1995 at the request of the local government. It keeps on maintaining a mutual and harmonious relationship with the local government and society, and being active in developing economic and prosperity of the people of Papua by building effective and efficient plantation management systems, including environmental preservation through “No Deforestation, No Peat, and No Exploitation” program. Moreover, PT. Tunas Sawaerma also create a system and working environment that support the development of human resources through the selection and training programs as well as sustainable development.
