Ashar Sunyoto Munandar

Ashar Sunyoto Munandar (23 March 1931 – 2 June 2005) was an Indonesian psychologist and professor emeritus at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Indonesia. He is known for his expertise in industrial and organizational psychology, and his advocacy for lifelong learning.

Early life and education

Ashar Sunyoto Munandar was born on 23 March 1931 in Semarang. He developed a passion for reading at a young age, particularly enjoying books like "Dik Trom," "Piltje Bel," and works by Dr. Karl May, which sparked his imagination and broadened his understanding of the world. He attended Frobelschool and Neutrale Lagere School (equivalent to elementary school) in Semarang. He was particularly impressed by the school's emphasis on social responsibility, requiring students to donate a penny to charity every Monday, and its encouragement of reading, allowing students to borrow a book every Saturday.

His education was disrupted by the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, forcing him to attend Sempurna People's School (equivalent to elementary school) in Sompok. This experience, though initially challenging, taught him adaptability and independence. He later attended various middle schools, including the 1st State High School in Surakarta, but his studies were interrupted by the Indonesian Revolution. He continued his education at the 1st State High School in Manahan, Surakarta, but again faced disruptions due to the Madiun Affair and the Dutch military operations in Yogyakarta and Solo. Despite these challenges, he remained committed to his education and eventually graduated from high school after a period of self-study.

Career

Ashar joined the psychology department at the University of Indonesia's medical faculty in 1959, fulfilling his government work obligation. After the department was established as a separate faculty, he became the faculty's research coordinator from 1960 to 1961. He also served as head of the vocational and industrial psychology department from 1961 to 1967. During this period from 1963 to 1965 as the faculty's deputy dean for student and alumni affairs.

Outside the university, Ashar was a member of a special advisory body to the Department of Higher Education and Knowledge for psychology education from 1961 to 1963. From 1963 to 1965, he advised the Department of Social Affairs on the child welfare bill. He also served as an advisor for psychological affairs to the National Atomic Energy Agency from 1963 to 1966, the Indonesian Development Bank from 1977, and as an expert staff in the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center of Educational Innovation and Technology in Singapore from 1970 to 1972.

During his tenure as dean, from 1982 to 1983 Ashar also served as head of the master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology.

Personal life and views Ashar Sunyoto Munandar married his childhood friend, Utami Boentaran, in 1958 in Hamburg. Utami Boentaran is a renowned psychologist specializing in educational psychology for gifted children. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

Ashar Sunyoto Munandar is a strong advocate for lifelong learning. He believes that individuals should continuously learn and adapt to changing circumstances. He emphasizes the importance of learning from experience, from others, and from the environment. He believes that individuals should strive to improve their skills and knowledge throughout their lives.