Life has a way of unfolding through a series of surprises. Albertus Yordhana Arsanto, or just call him Albert, spent two years teaching in the Holy Infant Jesus Suksa school Phayakkapum Phisai, Thailand, before returning to Indonesia to pursue a Master’s degree in English Master Language Education (2018-2021) at Sanata Dharma University. He earned his Bachelors of Education degree at the English Education Study Program of Sanata Dharma University (2012-2016). His academic journey sparked a deep interest in relational dynamics—specifically, how teachers live their lives, the challenges they face, and what keeps them in the profession. Sometimes, these same challenges force them to walk away. The academic papers he wrote during his graduate studies became sources of inspiration for his service and work.


Albert doesn’t see himself as a visionary or a concept developer. Instead, he calls himself an executor. He doesn’t overthink things. His thinking is practical: How can this program be implemented? What are the potential outcomes, risks, and challenges? These are the questions that guide his decision-making process.




Before stepping into the role of a formal educator, Albert explored various opportunities that life presented. When he had the chance to work as an online driver, he took it—just to make ends meet. When offered a role as an Event Organizer, he didn’t hesitate. Through these varied experiences, Albert came to believe in one core principle: life is ultimately about human relationships.

He believes that people have complex psychological considerations that can’t be ignored. People have hopes, aspirations, and dreams. They need to be heard and seen. This focus on the wellbeing of those around him has shaped Albert into a dynamic individual—someone who is at ease connecting with others, regardless of background, social status, or economic standing. He builds relationships and communicates openly, without concern for hierarchy.

His experience as an EO—where the bottom line was to get the job done—naturally led him to administrative and managerial work. Though his background was in English Education, he didn’t mind teaching Science at the elementary level. When asked to manage the Cambridge International Curriculum, he accepted the challenge without hesitation. Activities that involved management, event coordination, relationship-building, and open communication all fueled his energy and passion.

This enthusiasm and dynamic engagement eventually contributed to improved student performance in standardized tests under the Cambridge Curriculum. His colleagues enjoyed working with him, and the school’s Foundation quickly recognized his potential. In less than two years of teaching at Kanaan Global School in Jakarta Barat, Albert was appointed as the school principal.

For Albert, becoming a principal was never part of the plan. It wasn’t even something he had imagined. He simply chose to live each day with enthusiasm—for service, for helping others, and for building meaningful relationships. And as it turns out, those very qualities are what make him a fitting leader.

-eMBi-