Universitas Gadjah Mada has once again conferred the Anugerah Insan Berprestasi (Outstanding Person Award) to members of its academic community and alumni who have demonstrated exceptional contributions and performance to the university and to society at large. This year, the Faculty of Psychology UGM is proud to receive the Inspiring Lecturer in Social Sciences and Humanities award, which is presented to faculty member IIndrayanti, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., Psikolog.
This award recognizes Indra — as she is affectionately called — for her commitment and consistency in developing psychology as a discipline that is not only academically rigorous, but also has a tangible impact on improving human well-being in workplaces and organizations.
“I believe that true knowledge is knowledge that humanizes. Not just adding information, but fostering empathy, awareness, and the power to make life meaningful,” said Indra in a short introductory video.
Knowledge that Humanizes: A Philosophy in Teaching and Scholarship
As a lecturer, Indra views the role of an educator as extending far beyond the classroom. For her, being a lecturer is not only about delivering material, but also about accompanying the process of human growth.
Through a reflective learning approach, she encourages students not only to understand theories, but also to reflect on their own experiences, values, and positions as individuals who will later contribute to society. Learning activities inside and outside the classroom are designed as safe spaces to discuss, ask questions, and develop ideas critically as well as empathetically.
“For me, being a lecturer is not just about teaching, but about accompanying the process of human growth. Through reflective learning, relevant research, and community service that sides with humanity,” she explained.
The philosophy of “knowledge that humanizes” serves as the thread that connects her roles as an educator, researcher, and partner for various institutions.
Bridging Psychology and Technology
One of the key focuses of Indra’s work is the effort to bridge psychology and technology. Together with a cross-disciplinary team, she has developed a reflective chatbot based on psychological empowerment and psychological first aid.
This innovation is designed to:
- Provide a safe space for individuals to engage in self-reflection,
- Offer initial psychological support, and
- Integrate psychological principles into technology-based solutions that are easily accessible.
“We developed a reflective chatbot based on psychological empowerment and psychological first aid. This research emerged from cross-disciplinary collaboration involving psychology, information technology, and public policy, and has resulted in publications in reputable international journals, ranked in the first quartile,” she noted.
Through these research initiatives, Indra shows that technology can be a medium to expand the reach of psychological interventions, as long as it is developed on the basis of ethics, empathy, and a deep understanding of human beings.
Cross-disciplinary Collaboration and Impact on Organizations
Indra’s work does not only reside in the academic sphere; it is also embodied in various collaborative initiatives with ministries, industry, and communities. She has been actively involved in research and facilitation related to organizational culture and psychological well-being in the workplace.
Through these collaborations, she has learned that workplace well-being grows when organizations provide space for people to feel safe, valued, and able to be themselves. This perspective underpins the design of interventions and organizational policy recommendations.
One of her collaborators, Dr. Ario Wicaksono (Lecturer at FISIPOL UGM), shared:
“I last collaborated with her in 2024 in a research project on organizational culture in a fairly large public organization in Indonesia. She indeed delves deeper into the psychological aspects, while I focus more on organizational studies. This is a very interesting cross-disciplinary collaboration.”
From the technology side, M. Idham Ananta Timur, M.Kom (Lecturer at the Department of Computer Science and Electronics UGM) added:
“With the visionary mindset and research commitment that Indra has, I am confident that her contributions will be an important reference in technology-based organizational psychology.”
Meanwhile, from the perspective of public sector practice, Siti Vibriyani, S.E., M.A (Head of Subdivision for Culture Development, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia) sees Indra as a highly valuable thought partner:
“Bu Indrayanti has been our thinking partner in adopting reflective and empathetic approaches to foster a more humane and integrated work culture at the Ministry of Finance.”
A Smart, Resilient, and Creative Scholar
Colleagues at the Faculty of Psychology describe Indra as a person who is not only intellectually strong, but also resilient and creative.
Aisha Sekar Lazuardini Rachmanie, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, a lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology UGM, describes her as:
“A smart and resilient individual who also has high skills and creativity when she has a target.”
This portrayal aligns with Indra’s academic journey as a scholar and psychologist who continues to develop herself through education, research, and active involvement in various community engagement and organizational development programs.
Building a Reflective Learning Ecosystem
As a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Psychology UGM, Indra continues to strive to create collaborative and learning spaces that are vibrant, egalitarian, and nurturing.
“Now, through the collaborative and learning spaces that I continue to build, I want to foster a reflective learning ecosystem, where lecturers and students grow together in well-being, and knowledge becomes a life-giving resource for humanity.”
This ecosystem does not only focus on academic achievement, but also on the psychological well-being of everyone involved. Indra emphasizes that both lecturers and students are learners who grow together in the process.
“Every day on campus, I learn again that the work of a lecturer is not just about teaching, but about nurturing people — including myself.”
The Award as a Reinforcement of a Mission
The conferral of the Inspiring Lecturer in Social Sciences and Humanities award reaffirms Indrayanti’s contribution in developing psychology that is relevant, reflective, and impactful.
With the philosophy of “Knowledge that Humanizes”, Indra illustrates how psychology can:
- Integrate with technology without losing its human essence,
- Shape organizational cultures that are healthy and dignified, and
- Serve as a sustaining force that strengthens individuals, communities, and institutions.
The Faculty of Psychology UGM extends its appreciation and pride for this achievement, and hopes that Indra’s work and example will continue to inspire the academic community, students, and stakeholders to advance psychology that truly stands for humanity.
Writer: Raden Roro Anisa Anggi Dinda