The Indonesian Code of Conduct

Abstract

The need for a code of ethics has grown since the first students of Psychology graduated in 1959 as indicated by a joint agreement between three Psychology faculties. The preparation of the code of ethics was felt not too easy so that it took a long time to arrive at the 2010 Indonesian Psychological Code of Ethics being used today. The 2010 code of ethics much refers to that of the APA (American Psychological Association). The code of ethics has five basic principles, including respect for human rights and dignity, integrity, professionalism, justice, and benefit. The Indonesian culture which includes the culture of helping and paternalism give colors to the preparation and application of the code of ethics in Indonesia, and so do the legal system and emerging issues in Indonesian society. The current psychological code of ethics binds the members of the HIMPSI (Indonesian Psychological Association) only. Currently, changes to the 2010 Psychology Code of Ethics are being drafted to generate the 2020 Indonesian Psychological Code of Ethics. At the same time, given the changing environment and community demands and the increasing number of practicing psychology graduates, a draft bill (Rencana Undang-undang or RUU) on psychological practice is also being drafted at the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). The bill regulates authorities and legal sanctions for those who are not authorized to better protect psychological practices. The 2020 code of ethics bill will accordingly refer to the Psychology Practice Act. Keywords: Psychology of ethics, basic principles, HIMPSI