Beyond Borders: Unleashing the Potential of Multicultural Counselling in the Indonesian Context

Abstract

Introduction: Cultural adaptation is a crucial aspect of developing a multicultural counseling approach. In the Indonesian context, multicultural counseling emphasizes cultural awareness and insight stemming from the diversity of Indonesia. Therefore, counselors require specialized skills to comprehensively understand the complexities of Indonesian culture and apply them to counseling activities. Method: This qualitative phenomenological study examines the realization of cultural adaptation in the counseling process and the significance of multicultural counseling in the Bugis community at a high school in Tanjung Jabung Timur, Jambi. The informants were purposively selected, consisting of three principals, six teachers, and four community leaders. The study reveals that cultural adaptation in multicultural counseling requires continuous reflective efforts by the counselor to truly understand the counselee's culture. Understanding Indonesian pluralism serves as a methodological framework for counselors to implement multicultural counseling effectively. The Bugis cultural adaptation employed in the counseling process received positive attention and reception from students, helping to develop their character and personality. The study also highlights the crucial roles played by teachers, the community, and the school environment in fostering students' acceptance of cultural values. Results: This research significantly impacts the consideration of the cultural component of counseling, emphasizing a more persuasive approach and discouraging positivistic tendencies. Discussion: For this reason, professionals in this field must possess extensive cultural skills, in addition to a firm foundation in counseling theories.