Norberta Fauko Firdiani, S.Psi., M.Si., a lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Diponegoro, participated in a series of international academic activities held at KU Leuven, Belgium.
On 13 July 2026, Norberta attended a Small Group Meeting entitled “Understanding Intercultural Relations Across Societies: Polyculturalism in the Asia-Pacific and Beyond.” The meeting specifically brought together researchers interested in polyculturalism and the dynamics of intercultural relations. Through this forum, participants discussed theoretical developments, empirical findings, and the potential application of polycultural perspectives.
Norberta subsequently attended the XXVIII International Congress of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology (IACCP 2026), held from 14 to 18 July 2026. On 15 July, she presented her research entitled “Understanding Polyculturalism in Indonesia: How Assimilation and Intergroup Threat Interact under Authoritarian Tendencies.”
The study examines how assimilation orientation is related to people’s understanding of intergroup relations. More specifically, it highlights the role of intergroup threat as a psychological mechanism and authoritarian tendencies as a factor that may influence the relationship between assimilation and polycultural orientation.
The findings indicate that people’s understanding of intercultural relations is shaped not only by their orientation toward assimilation, but also by perceived threat and individual tendencies toward order or authority. In the Indonesian context, these dynamics are also connected to the history of intergroup relations and collective memories of conflict.
Through her participation in these activities, Norberta expanded her international academic network and explored opportunities for cross-national research collaboration. Her involvement also strengthened Universitas Diponegoro’s contribution to the advancement of knowledge and enhanced the university’s academic reputation at the global level.
