About Us
Indonesian Centre for Educational Initiative

About Us
Innovate. Inspire. Impact.
The Indonesian Centre for Educational Initiative (ICEI) is a leading organization in Indonesia dedicated to improving educational standards and practices through innovative and evidence-based approaches. Established in August 2015, ICEI focuses on professional development, curriculum design, and research to empower educators and create meaningful learning experiences for students.
Empowering inclusive, innovative, and transformative education for a brighter, equitable, and sustainable future.
Meet the Founders of ICEI

Irwan Gunawan, M.Pd.
Founder & Director
Irwan Gunawan is a distinguished educator and leader with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education (ECE), encompassing teaching, management, research, and policy advocacy. He holds a degree in English Education from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Irwan’s career includes notable roles such as:
- Founder of ICEI.
- Former ECED Specialist Lead at the Tanoto Foundation.
- Senior Principal & Advisor at Kidsville Playschool and Kindergarten (formerly Gymboree International Preschool).
- Former Head of Advocacy & Partnership at SEAMEO CECCEP.
- Former Research Fellow on Cognition & Education at the Action Against Stunting Hub (SEAMEO RECFON).
Irwan’s dedication to enhancing early childhood education has positioned him as a pivotal figure in shaping ECE policies and practices in Indonesia.

Dr. Rita Anggorowati, M.Pd.
Co-Founder & Academic Director
Dr. Rita Anggorowati is an accomplished educator and co-founder of ICEI with over 25 years of experience in education and 17 years in leadership and management. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Administration and several certifications, including:
- Certified NLP Coach from the Indonesia NLP Society.
- Certified Facilitator of 7 Habits for Highly Effective People™.
- Certified Facilitator of Principal Academy™ by Franklin Covey.
Dr. Rita’s extensive career includes:
- Director of ICEI.
- Chairwoman of the Indonesia NLP Society.
- Research Fellow at SEAMEO RECFON, leading the Education and Shared Values workstream at the Action Against Stunting Hub.
- Child Protection Expert at Human Initiative.
- Former Head of Centre at Pelita Nusantara School.
- Associate Facilitator and Trainer with Dunamis Organization Services, PT Erlangga, and BMS Global.
Her diverse expertise spans training, consulting, and coaching, focusing on leadership, shared values, and capacity building for educational institutions.
Staff and Support

Tiara Asyifa
Social Media Specialist

Faris Adrian Azkarahman
Program Officer

Farhan Nur Hidayat
Web & Back-End Programmer
Philosophy
Empowering Education, Transforming Lives.
This philosophy reflects ICEI’s commitment to fostering educational excellence through evidence-based practices, innovation, and holistic capacity building. It emphasizes both individual and systemic transformation.
Our approach is guided by five core principles

Inclusivity
Promoting access to quality education for all, irrespective of background or circumstances.

Innovation
Leveraging creative and evidence-based approaches to address educational challenges.

Collaboration
Building partnerships with educators, schools, communities, and policymakers for systemic improvement.

Sustainability
Ensuring long-term impact through research, professional development, and leadership capacity building.

Excellence
Upholding high standards in education, leadership, and institutional development.

Sustainability
Ensuring long-term impact through research, professional development, and leadership capacity building.

Excellence
Upholding high standards in education, leadership, and institutional development.
Usefulness is our top priority to customers
Benefits of Collaborating with ICEI
Partnering with ICEI offers schools and educational organizations access to unparalleled expertise and resources. By collaborating with us, institutions can:
Enhance Institutional Capacity
Our tailored consulting services and research initiatives provide actionable insights and practical solutions to improve school management and curriculum design.
Empower Educators and Leaders
With a focus on professional development, ICEI equips teachers and school leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles and inspire their communities.
Access Innovative Programs
From global exchange opportunities to evidence-based interventions, we offer programs that broaden perspectives and foster growth.
Strengthen Community Engagement
Our collaborative approach ensures that educational institutions are better integrated with their communities, fostering support networks that enhance learning outcomes.
Drive Sustainable Impact
Through our emphasis on sustainability and excellence, we help organizations implement long-lasting changes that benefit students, teachers, and the wider education ecosystem.
Strengthen Community Engagement
Our collaborative approach ensures that educational institutions are better integrated with their communities, fostering support networks that enhance learning outcomes.
Drive Sustainable Impact
Through our emphasis on sustainability and excellence, we help organizations implement long-lasting changes that benefit students, teachers, and the wider education ecosystem.