Written by: Alika Raisha Hidayat & Hanna Nashita Komarae
External Events Division – FPCI Chapter UI Board of 2025
On 3rd of July 2025, members of FPCI Chapter Universitas Indonesia visited the Embassy of Finland in Jakarta for the FPCI Chapter UI Tea Time with Ambassador (TTWA) 2025 event.
About the Tea Time with Ambassador Program
FPCI Chapter UI Tea Time with Ambassador is an annual work program organized by the External Events Division of FPCI Chapter UI. This event provides an opportunity for FPCI Chapter UI members to visit embassy offices and engage in direct discussions with ambassadors from various countries. Participants are invited to explore the ambassador’s perspectives on their country’s foreign policy in addressing global strategic issues. This year, the program highlights “the bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between partner countries and the Republic of Indonesia”.
In this edition, FPCI Chapter UI had the honor of visiting the Embassy of Finland, where the Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia shared valuable insights on Finland’s foreign policy priorities, its approach to global challenges, and the growing cooperation between Finland and Indonesia, particularly in the fields of education.
What Happened at TTWA 2025?
FPCI Chapter UI Tea Time with Ambassador 2025 visited the Embassy of Finland and held a themed discussion on “Together for Tomorrow: Finland-Indonesia Strategic Collaboration on Human Capital.” The 70-year-long diplomatic ties between Finland and Indonesia, along with Finland’s globally recognized education system and forward-looking human capital strategies, inspired this year’s FPCI Chapter UI Tea Time with Ambassador to raise this timely and relevant topic.
To gain deeper insights into the theme, FPCI Chapter UI Tea Time with Ambassador 2025 invited H.E. Mr. Pekka Kaihilahti, the Ambassador of the Republic of Finland to the Republic of Indonesia, ASEAN, and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to discuss about Finland-Indonesia cooperation. The discussion explored shared commitments to human development, the importance of education and innovation, and how both countries can work together to build a more sustainable and resilient future.
What Insights Did the Discussion Yield?
Moderated by Deswita K. B. Purnama as the Vice President on Public Relations and Affairs of FPCI Chapter UI Board of 2025, the discussion arose on the basis of the following talking points:
1. Human Capital Development through Education as Finland’s Strategic Global Investment
The discussion during the Tea Time with Ambassador 2025 brought forward a critical yet often understated priority: investment in human capital. Ambassador Kaihilahti emphasized that human capital is not a competing priority, but a core foundation that intersects with all sectors. Drawing from Finland’s own experience, being the first country in the world to introduce free public education, he explained that meaningful development begins with empowering individuals through knowledge, skills, and equal opportunity.
The Ambassador also highlighted that malnutrition directly impacts learning outcomes. Without proper nutrition, students are unable to study and think well, making well-being an inseparable part of human capital development. In investing to improve education quality, several core principles must be considered: the importance of an inclusive system where every individual, regardless of gender, has equal access; a continuously developed education system that adapts to changing societal needs; and a learning environment that prioritizes both academic growth and holistic human development. Finland’s approach, grounded in equality and long-term vision, stands as a compelling case study of how strategic investment in people can shape national resilience and global readiness.
2. Exploring Finland's Education System
The discussion also explored the core values and strategies behind Finland’s highly effective education model, which has long been recognized for its excellence, most recently demonstrated by its 6th place global ranking in reading comprehension on the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The Ambassador emphasized that the system is built on the principles of universality and equality, where education is publicly funded and accessible to all. Unlike many other countries, Finland has very few private schools, as nearly all institutions are state-managed, ensuring consistent quality nationwide. One of the pillars of this success is the high standard for educators, teachers are required to hold a master’s degree and are compensated with competitive salaries, which contributes to their respected position in society. These conditions attract top talents into the teaching profession and maintain the system’s overall integrity. In addition, Finland’s approach values flexibility, independent learning, and a human-centered philosophy, where character development and problem-solving skills are emphasized just as much as academic performance. Education is not solely about reading and writing, but about nurturing holistic learners who can adapt and thrive.
On bilateral cooperation, the Ambassador noted that there has been ongoing collaboration between Finland and Indonesia, particularly following the signing of several Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs). These agreements have led to teacher training programs and institutional partnerships, which Finland currently focuses more on supporting the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The Ambassador expressed Finland’s continued interest in encouraging Indonesian students to study in Finland, and emphasized that strengthening Indonesia’s education system would naturally create more space for impactful collaboration.
3. The Impact of the Memorandum of Understanding on Finland-Indonesia collaboration
Since the signing of the 2015 and 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) between Indonesia and Finland, several important steps have been taken to strengthen educational cooperation between the two countries. One of the notable outcomes has been the establishment of university-level collaborations and teacher training initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of educators in Indonesia. A key innovation introduced through this partnership is the application of phenomenon-based learning (PhBL), which is a multidisciplinary and holistic teaching approach, that encourages students to explore real-world topics across various subjects, rather than learning in traditional silos. Looking ahead, both nations recognize the urgent need to make digital learning more inclusive and accessible, especially in a geographically diverse country like Indonesia. The Ambassador noted that while Indonesia has made significant strides, a stronger educational foundation is essential for equitable access to quality learning. Drawing from Finland’s own experience in ensuring that even remote communities have access to top-tier teachers, he emphasized the importance of building robust institutional infrastructure and promoting meaningful human encounters within digital education ecosystems. Finland sees immense potential in Indonesia’s remote regions and believes that, with the right systems in place, geographic limitations should not hinder educational quality.
4. The Future Trajectory for Finland and Indonesia’s Strategic Partnership
The Ambassador voiced strong support for introducing Bahasa Indonesia studies in Finnish universities, noting its value for regional engagement across Southeast Asia. Language learning is also cultural learning, essential for building mutual understanding and smoother academic and diplomatic cooperation.
The conversation also highlighted Finland’s globally recognized school meal program, known for promoting nutrition, equality, and sustainability. While not all elements are transferable, its core philosophy can inspire Indonesia to design its own context-relevant model, which aligns with Indonesia’s ongoing efforts to develop the Free Nutritious Meals Program. In Finland, meals are part of the curriculum, teaching students about nutrition, culture, and environmental responsibility. The program involves multiple stakeholders and reflects efficient governance and financial integrity.
Conclusion
In today’s discussion, the Finnish Ambassador emphasized that investing in human capital is essential, even amid global challenges. Finland’s success highlights the importance of equal access to education, student well-being, and empowered teachers. Finland-Indonesia cooperation continues to grow through teacher training, university partnerships, and context-based programs. The Ambassador also noted the need for inclusive digital learning, stronger regional education systems, and cultural exchange, such as introducing the language, history, and culture of Indonesia in Finland. Overall, both countries are committed to building sustainable and inclusive education systems that address shared development goals.