UNAIR NEWS – Dr. M. Hadi Wawan Guntoro, SSTP, MSi, CIPA, the current Head of the East Java Provincial Youth and Sports Agency, embodies the belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit. A graduate of both the master’s and doctoral programs in Human Resource Development (PSDM) at Universitas Airlangga’s Postgraduate School, he reflected on his long path from his student days to his responsibilities as a public administrator.
“I spent quite a bit of time completing my master’s degree, from 2006 to 2008. There were only eight of us in the PSDM program at that time, but that small circle actually strengthened our bond and our drive to learn,” Guntoro recalled with a laugh.
Path that shapes character
Guntoro also described the challenges of completing his doctoral studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our classes were paused for nearly two years. The campus was empty, everything moved online. But thankfully, the lecturers were incredibly patient. Prof. Fendy was even the one who gathered us again to reorganize the program,” he said.
For Guntoro, studying at UNAIR was more than pursuing academic degrees. It was a journey of character building. He chose the PSDM program to deepen his understanding of managing people and organizations.
It is a skill set that proved essential as he later served as Head of the Organizational Bureau of the Regional Secretariat, then at the Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP), and eventually as Head of the Youth and Sports Agency. The theories he learned in class translated seamlessly into daily bureaucratic practice.
HR development knowledge as leadership asset
During his tenure at Satpol PP, Guntoro implemented a research-based and digitalized human resource system. “I conducted a survey and found that 60 percent of Satpol PP personnel lacked basic self-defense training. So we trained them, built an information system, and even created KASANDRA, a regulatory enforcement dictionary to ensure they clearly understood the legal basis for every action in the field,” Guntoro explained.
His innovations, such as Si Bekisar Jatim and Si Jalin Maja (the Integrated Protection System for East Java Communities), have since been recognized as standout platforms by the provincial government. “All of that stemmed from my academic training at UNAIR. I turned PSDM concepts into practical, on-the-ground solutions,” he added.
His guiding principles and advice for youth
Asked about the principle that guides his work, Guntoro answered firmly, “Be the best version of yourself. You can admire others, but don’t simply imitate them. Follow the rules, do your best, and keep learning.”
He also encouraged UNAIR students to trust the process. “Enjoy your studies, understand yourself, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. And to all alumni, let’s continue collaborating and contributing to create something meaningful for the wider public,” he said in closing.
Author: Panca Ezza Aisal Saputra
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
