HEI Schools, the Finnish early education network developed in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, has officially inaugurated its second campus in Indonesia: HEI Schools SPM Menteng.
The launch event, themed “Growing the HEI Way,” took place on Tuesday, 11 November 2025, at Jl. Dr. GSSJ Ratulangi No. 5, Menteng, Central Jakarta
The opening ceremony featured remarks by His Excellency Pekka Kaihilahti, Ambassador of Finland to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor-Leste, alongside Teddy Koentjoro, Co-Founder and Business Director of HEI Schools Indonesia, and Glenn Thompson, Director of Marketing & Admission at Sekolah Perkumpulan Mandiri (SPM).
Their speeches underscored the shared vision to introduce Finland’s research-backed, play-based education model to Indonesia’s expanding early learning landscape
A Scandinavian School in a Historic Menteng Landmark
Set in a heritage Dutch building formerly used as a church, the new campus blends historic Jakarta architecture with modern Scandinavian design. According to Principal Ms. Nia Natalia Lie, HEI Menteng intentionally preserves the building’s cultural heritage while creating a warm, minimalist atmosphere that supports children’s concentration and emotional balance.
“The design isn’t about following trends, it’s about reducing visual noise that could distract children’s focus,” said Ms. Nia. “Our homey colors and natural materials help create calmness and security in their learning environment.”
The campus features minimalist furniture, a Scandinavian-inspired playground to promote resilience, and a shared cafeteria and gym where students of different age levels can interact, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Learning the HEI Way: Finland’s Educational Philosophy in Practice
The HEI Schools model, developed through years of academic research at the University of Helsinki, focuses on joyful learning and holistic child development. It combines cognitive, emotional, and social growth through hands-on play.
The school offers 12 themed learning programs per year, each supported by open-ended toys and activities that encourage exploration and curiosity. The HEI Wall is one of the unique classroom features displaying pictograms of daily activities to help children organise their routines visually, while the HEI Character Buddy is created to encourage participation and emotional engagement.
Programs range from toddler classes (18 months) to nursery, pre-K, and kindergarten levels (K1 – K2), with small class sizes such as 10 students to 3 teachers for nursery groups. The school day runs from 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including scheduled nap time, which, to the teacher, is addressed as essential for “rewiring focus and restoring energy.”
Conjoining with HEI School, SPM Menteng also integrates a primary-level program, providing acceleration opportunities for children who advance beyond their age group, ensuring continuous growth within the same environment.
Symbolic Opening and Cultural Connection
The grand opening was marked with the planting of an Arabiola tree by the Ambassador of Finland to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor-Leste, alongside the Co-Founder and Business Director of HEI Schools Indonesia, and Director of Marketing & Admission at Sekolah Perkumpulan Mandiri , symbolising sustainable growth and the deepening educational collaboration between Finland and Indonesia.
The event also reaffirmed HEI’s commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s early education ecosystem through research-based teaching and teacher training.
“HEI Schools represents a collaborative effort to elevate Indonesia’s pre-education system, combining academic research with real-world classroom application,” said Mr. Koentjoro.
Rooted in Research, Designed for Joyful Learning
During the “Growing the HEI Way” talk show, Ms. Arthalia Larsen, Co-Founder and School Director, explained that the HEI Way is a culture that extends from teachers to families.
“We teach children not to fear mistakes,” Ms. Larsen said. “Learning happens everywhere and all the time. Our role is to nurture curiosity and resilience through play.”
Psychologist Ms. Diana, who contributed to the development of the HEI program, emphasized that the system bridges theory and practicality.
“Children learn by doing. Every activity, pretend play, art, or problem-solving, builds both technical and emotional intelligence,” she noted.
The Future of Play-Based Learning in Indonesia
HEI Schools SPM Menteng aims to redefine how Indonesian parents and educators view early education, prioritising curiosity, well-being, and self-expression over rote learning.
In the coming years, HEI Schools aims to expand its reach across Indonesia, introducing play-based learning to more regions and age groups. The vision is both simple and ambitious: to raise a generation of children who are not only academically capable but also confident, empathetic, and mentally prepared to navigate the future.
Interested in trying the Finnish Education programme?
This Saturday, get the chance to explore the HEI Little Explorer’s Market, featuring special pop-up classes with Picknic Art Studio, Deqebon, and Sana Kith & Kin. The creative sessions, open to children aged 18 months to 5 years, will be held on Saturday, 15 November 2025, offering hands-on experiences in art, sensory exploration, and culinary creativity.
Picnic Art Studio Workshop for children 18 months to 3 years old
Deqebon & Sana Kith & Kin: Chocolate-Making Workshop and Parent & Child Session
Pikku Play for toddlers (6-17 moths)
About HEI Schools
Founded in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, HEI Schools is a global education network that brings Finland’s world-class early childhood pedagogy to communities around the world. Its model combines research, teacher training, and design to deliver a joyful, holistic, and child-centered education experience.
HEI Schools currently operates in over 17 countries, with SPM Menteng marking its second official campus in Indonesia with a partnership between HEI Schools Indonesia and Sekolah Perkumpulan Mandiri (SPM).
HEI Schools SPM Menteng
Jl. Dr. GSSJ Ratulangi No. 5-1, Gondangdia, Menteng, Central Jakarta
Contact: Ferry (+62 811-1985-707)
