Cikal Expands into the Higher Education Market

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com—Cikal School is expanding its education ecosystem into higher education. The institution is currently establishing a university that will adopt an impact-driven and experiential learning approach.

Siti Winanti Kartika Putri, Head of Marketing at Cikal, said the move is part of the school’s effort to provide educational continuity for its students, from early childhood through to their entry into the workforce.

“Previously, our five-star journey ended when students graduated from high school. We believe that continuity should continue until they truly find their path—when they know where they will work and have completed their educational journey,” she said to Jakarta Weekly in Jakarta, June 17, 2026.

She explained that the planned university will embrace the same educational philosophy that has long been implemented across Cikal’s schools. Learning will not be limited to classroom theory but will emphasize practical application and the impact students can create for society.

According to her, one of the university’s key differentiators will be the integration of academic coursework with mentorship programs, enabling students to gain hands-on experience throughout their studies.

“We believe learning is not just about theory, but about creating impact. Students need to understand how their work benefits others. That cannot be achieved through theory alone—it requires practical application of the skills they learn,” she said.

She added that the concept is designed to ensure students not only acquire academic knowledge but also develop the ability to apply their skills in real-world situations from an early stage of their university education.

“There will be academic courses, but there will also be mentorship and practical training. Students will be directly involved in hands-on work,” she said.

However, details regarding academic programs and the university’s operational model are still being developed and will be announced at a later date.

The expansion into higher education marks a new chapter for Cikal, which has been known primarily as an education provider serving students from preschool through senior high school.

Currently, Cikal’s school network serves around 3,400 students across multiple campuses, including both mainstream learners and students with special educational needs.

In addition to preparing for the university launch, Cikal is also planning to expand its school network. The company intends to open a new campus in 2027, initially focusing on Java before exploring opportunities in other parts of Indonesia.

According Winanti, the potential for educational development outside Java is substantial. This is reflected in the strong participation of teachers from various regions in training and professional development programs organized by Cikal.

“We see tremendous potential for expanding schools beyond Java. The biggest challenge is not demand, but aligning a shared vision and commitment to how children should be educated,” she said.