Eyewitness – GIANYAR
May 15, 2026 – Empathy School (ES), represented by Communication Officer Abi Ardianda, issues this official clarification in accordance with Article 14 of Law Number 40 of 1999 concerning the Press and other relevant provisions.
This statement serves as a response to reports published by several online media outlets regarding allegations against Empathy School, which were released without seeking balanced confirmation from our side.
It is important to note that these reports lacked balanced verification and utilized affirmative diction, creating the false impression that the allegations were proven facts.
Such reporting not only blurs the line between suspicion and fact but also shapes a public perception that leads to the premature judgment of Empathy School without prior evidence or verification.
Therefore, through this letter, we exercise our Right of Reply and Right of Correction regarding the aforementioned news coverage.
Up until the time this clarification was written, Empathy School had not been given sufficient time to provide a response through institutional channels before the articles were widely circulated.
For context, over the past few months, Empathy School has been the target of coordinated efforts by certain parties, including the involvement of foreign nationals residing in Indonesia.
Empathy operates as a project-based non-formal learning center and maintains active, ongoing collaboration with the local education office, including routine visits, evaluations, and development meetings.
The school is currently in the process of transitioning toward formal status. Comprehensive documentation regarding these allegations is being prepared for submission to relevant authorities, including the Directorate General of Immigration and PERADI. In response to the barrage of accusations, Empathy School remains committed to continuing coordination with all institutions in good faith.
Background
Empathy School began as a homeschool in Pejeng Kangin, Bali, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was founded by a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Education for two children and gradually evolved into a learning community operating under the Abirama Alam Empati Foundation.
The Chairperson of the Foundation, Muhammad Arsya Harryanto, expressed his pride in contributing to the development of the nation’s future generation—individuals who are not only academically bright but also empathetic and capable of respecting nature and sustainability. “For me, Empathy School does not just produce academically educated successors, but those who prioritize empathy toward others and the environment we inhabit. I am proud to be part of this noble journey,” stated Mr. Arsya.
The Principal of Empathy School is an Indonesian citizen, as are the heads of curriculum, personnel, finance, and marketing.
Regarding the founder’s credentials, their status as an alumnus of the Harvard Graduate School of Education is documented in the book Designing Democratic Schools and Learning Environments: A Global Perspective (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024). The book is publicly accessible for verification purposes (ISBN 978-3-031-46296-2). Furthermore, Linda Nathan, a faculty member at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and her team are currently producing an international documentary on alternative schools worldwide, which includes Empathy School.
The teachers and leadership team of Empathy School have also participated in training from Stanford Seed, an official program of the Stanford Graduate School of Business for leadership development. The Stanford Seed team visited the Empathy campus directly to provide this training (training certificates and photographic documentation are attached).
As a project-based non-formal learning center, Empathy School utilizes a nature-immersion learning approach where children spend the majority of their time in exploratory activities, differing from traditional formal school structures.
Throughout its operation, the school has maintained active and sustainable cooperation with the local education office, including routine visits, evaluations, and progress meetings. Currently, the school is undergoing the process toward formal status through ongoing coordination with relevant government agencies.
Contribution and Partnership
More than 1,000 teachers from Indonesian public schools participated in talent development programs from 2022 through 2024. These sessions were held at the Empathy campus and at SD Negeri 28 Dangin Puri, Denpasar, with support from the Department of Education. Empathy School also actively maintains partnerships with the local public elementary school in Pejeng Kangin to organize various activities, ranging from community environmental clean-ups to collaborative educational programs.
About The School
Empathy School is a progressive learning community in Bali that integrates nature-based education, emotional intelligence, project-based learning, and real-life skills within a warm, human-centered environment. This school is built on the belief that children thrive when they feel seen, valued, and inspired.
We combine meaningful academic learning with immersive outdoor experiences across our campus, where children can explore nature, move freely, and learn through curiosity and play.
We teach Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which helps children develop empathy, self-confidence, emotional awareness, and healthy communication skills from an early age.
