CONSTRUCTION OF THE TRI-NGA COUNSELING THEORY BASED ON THE TEACHINGS OF KI HAJAR DEWANTARA

This study aims to construct a culturally-rooted counseling theory derived from the philosophical and educational teachings of Ki Hajar Dewantara. The background stems from the incompatibility between Western counseling approaches and the cultural values of Indonesian society, particularly Javanese culture, which emphasizes collectivism, harmony, and spirituality. Predominantly individualistic and rationalistic Western theories often fail to accommodate the needs of Indonesia's multicultural context.
Using Gadamerian eclectic hermeneutics, this research interprets the wisdom contained in Dewantara’s texts and the educational practices of Tamansiswa. The findings identify five core components of the Tri-Nga counseling theory: (1) a philosophical foundation rooted in humanism and natural development; (2) core concepts based on inner balance and behavior (Neng, Ning, Nung, Nang); (3) counseling goals that emphasize autonomy and self-awareness; (4) a counseling relationship grounded in the Among system (tut wuri handayani); and (5) a change mechanism integrating REBT's rationalism with Dewantara’s moral and spiritual teachings.
This theory offers a contextual and culturally relevant alternative to conventional approaches, promoting the development of holistically healthy individuals – intellectually capable and morally grounded. The study contributes to the enrichment of indigenous counseling models and supports the development of culturally-based counseling practices in Indonesia.