Empathy School Bali Denies Allegations of Operating Without a Permit, Reaffirms its Non-Formal Status
Empathy School (ES) Bali has officially denied allegations made in several media outlets regarding the legality of its educational institution. Through a statement and clarification, the school, located in Gianyar, asserts that its operations comply with legal regulations as a non-formal learning centre.
The Communication Officer of Empathy School, Abi Ardianda, stated that the reports circulating were done without balanced confirmation and tend to create a negative opinion. He regretted the use of language that seemed to conclude the allegations as proven facts.
“We are responding to reports in several online media outlets regarding allegations against Empathy School without balanced confirmation from us. It should be noted that the reports were done without balanced verification and create the impression that the allegations are proven facts,” said Abi Ardianda in his official statement, Friday (15/5).
The school explained that currently, Empathy School operates as a project-based non-formal learning centre under the auspices of the Abirama Alam Empati Foundation. The institution claims to have established active cooperation with the local education department, including undergoing evaluations and routine visits.
Currently, Empathy School is also in the administrative process of obtaining formal school status. Regarding the allegations circulating, the school suspects a coordinated effort from certain parties, including the involvement of foreign nationals, to discredit their institution.
The founder of the Abirama Alam Empati Foundation, Muhammad Arsya Harryanto, reaffirmed the school’s vision to produce a generation that is academically intelligent and has high empathy for others and the environment.
“For me, Empathy School is not only producing educated successors, but also prioritising empathy,” said Arsya.
As a further legal step, Empathy School is preparing complete documentation to be submitted to relevant agencies, including the Directorate General of Immigration and the Indonesian Advocates Association (PERADI), to clarify all allegations against them.
The school, which originated from a homeschooling concept during the Covid-19 pandemic, stated that it will remain committed to continuing coordination with all government institutions in good faith for the sustainability of their students’ education. (Z-10)