UNAIR NEWS – The Faculty of Psychology (FPsi) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) continues to expand its international partnerships through global guest lectures. Most recently, the faculty hosted an online lecture titled Foundations of the National Psychologies of the Philippines and Indonesia on Thursday (April 24, 2025). The session welcomed students enrolled in UNAIR’s Mental Processes and Behavior course, along with participants from Batangas State University in the Philippines.
For the event, the faculty invited Ms. Angelica Louisse Nollora, a scholar from Batangas State University with expertise in cross-cultural psychology, as the featured speaker. In her presentation, Nollora offered a thorough analysis of how historical, cultural, and social factors have shaped the psychological makeup of both Filipino and Indonesian societies.
Exploring cultural roots of collective psyche
Nollora began by explaining that every nation develops a collective psyche through a long process of historical events and complex social interactions. She pointed out that both Filipino and Indonesian cultures share a communal mindset, deep respect for elders, and a strong tradition of mutual cooperation as core social values.
“Our societies both place a high value on family and community ties, but there are fundamental differences shaped by distinct colonial experiences and religious traditions,” Nollora explained during her talk.
She also compared cultural concepts like pakikipagkapwa from the Philippines and rukun from Indonesia, noting that both reflect a shared emphasis on social harmony and interpersonal understanding.
Emphasizing importance of cross-cultural perspectives in psychology
Nollora stressed the importance of viewing psychological theories through the lens of local cultures. She urged students not to apply Western psychological frameworks blindly, but rather to adapt them thoughtfully based on their own cultural contexts.
“Psychology does not exist apart from cultural influences. When we understand the cultural foundations of our own societies, we can develop intervention strategies that are much more effective and culturally appropriate,” she said.
She also shared findings from her research, showing how colonial trauma, patriarchal systems, and educational structures have influenced the development of psychological identities in both nations. Her insights encouraged students to re-examine various social issues through the perspective of cultural psychology.
The lecture not only broadened academic perspectives but also strengthened the partnership between Universitas Airlangga and Batangas State University. The collaboration is expected to foster greater knowledge exchange, promote cross-cultural understanding, and help shape a psychology curriculum that is more inclusive and reflective of the Southeast Asian context.
Through this initiative, UNAIR’s Faculty of Psychology successfully created a platform for deeper reflection on the psychological dynamics shaped by local values and norms. The event also underscored UNAIR’s commitment to offering a globally conscious education while remaining rooted in local cultural contexts.
Author: Ameyliarti Bunga Lestari
Editor: Edwin Fatahuddin
