A collaboration with Sekolah Perkumpulan Mandiri to meet rising family interest in Finnish-inspired early childhood education.
Following the success of its first campus in Senayan, HEI Schools Indonesia has officially opened its second campus, HEI Schools SPM Menteng, in collaboration with Sekolah Perkumpulan Mandiri (SPM) Menteng. The opening marks a strategic step in strengthening HEI Schools’ mission to provide world-class early childhood education, rooted in the philosophy and research of the University of Helsinki, in the heart of Jakarta.
With the theme “Growing the HEI Way,” the soft launch highlighted the school’s philosophy of nurturing children through a joyful, holistic, and child-centred learning experience.
Held on 11 November 2025, the event was attended by H.E. Pekka Kaihilahti, Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia, ASEAN and Timor-Leste, along with representatives from HEI Schools Indonesia and SPM Menteng.
The opening also featured a talk show with Arthalia Larsen, Co-Founder & School Director of HEI Schools Indonesia, and Rosdiana Setyaningrum, M.Psi., M.HPEd., psychologist and Centre Director of MS School & Wellbeing Centre. The speakers explored the HEI Way approach, particularly the implementation of play-based learning within the HEI Schools curriculum.
This playful method supports character development, creativity, and children’s well-being throughout their learning journey. Since its establishment in 2020, HEI Schools Senayan has demonstrated strong outcomes, with graduates adapting well to various elementary school pathways, including International, Cambridge, IB, National, and National Plus curricula.
Arthalia Larsen explained, “HEI Schools Indonesia not only offers a play-based learning approach, but also a curriculum grounded in Finnish research. We believe one of the best ways to foster lifelong learners is to ensure children enjoy the learning process at a pace that suits their developmental stage. Our routines are thoughtfully designed so that every moment and interaction provides meaningful learning experiences aligned with each child’s needs.”
Building on the success of HEI Schools Senayan, the opening of HEI Schools SPM Menteng represents a unique collaboration between two institutions with a shared vision of fostering humanistic, creative, and sustainable education.
Located in a cultural heritage building in Menteng, the school symbolises the fusion of local heritage with modern Finnish educational principles. Facilities include an indoor gym, music room, outdoor playground, and creative exploration spaces designed to spark curiosity and independence.
Teddy Koentjoro, Co-Founder and Business Director of HEI Schools Indonesia, views this collaboration as a fresh chapter in delivering high-quality early childhood education in Indonesia. He stated, “The opening of HEI Schools SPM Menteng is a strategic response to the strong interest among Central Jakarta families in Finnish-inspired early childhood education. More than an expansion, this campus celebrates Menteng’s cultural heritage. We are proud to help preserve these values by integrating historic architecture with modern learning.”
Glenn Thompson, Director of Parent Relations & Marketing at Sekolah Perkumpulan Mandiri, added, “HEI Schools SPM Menteng offers continuous learning from preschool through to primary school within the same warm and supportive environment. This continuity helps children develop confidence and readiness for the next stage of their learning.”
HEI Little Explorer’s Market Day
To celebrate its inauguration, HEI Schools SPM Menteng will host HEI Little Explorer’s Market Day on Saturday, 15 November 2025. The event will feature a family-friendly marketplace showcasing children’s products, books, educational toys, and a series of Pop-Up Classes in collaboration with creative partners.
Picknic Art Studio, known for its art and sensory play sessions, will run a Pop-Up Class inviting children to imagine and create their dream city.
Deqebon Cacao will present an educational “bean to bar” experience, where children aged 18 months to 5 years can learn about and experiment with making chocolate through engaging, hands-on activities.
SANA Kith & Kin, a family yoga studio based in South Jakarta, will offer a children’s yoga class aimed at supporting physical balance, focus, and emotional well-being.
With the theme “The City Explorer,” children will be invited to discover the world around them through games, art, and stories—reflecting HEI Schools Indonesia’s belief that children learn best through joyful exploration.
Parents may register for the Pop-Up Classes via HEI Schools SPM Menteng’s contact details or HEI Schools Indonesia’s social media pages.
The opening of HEI Schools SPM Menteng marks an important step in nurturing a future generation defined by curiosity, confidence, and empathy. More than just a school, HEI is a community of children, teachers, and parents growing and learning together the HEI way.
About HEI Schools Indonesia
HEI Schools Indonesia offers early childhood education based on the Finnish Curriculum—recognised globally as one of the world’s leading education systems. The HEI model focuses on holistic child development, supporting emotional well-being, creativity, social awareness, and academic curiosity, backed by research from the University of Helsinki.
Since the opening of its first campus in Senayan in 2020, HEI Schools has become a benchmark for quality early childhood education in Jakarta. With the launch of HEI Schools SPM Menteng, HEI continues its mission to reach and support more families across Indonesia.