Professor of pediatrics at the UGM Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM), Sunartini Hapsara, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at 21:59 WIB at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta.
Her remains were laid to rest at UGM Sawitsari Cemetery on Nov. 15, 2024, following a final tribute ceremony at UGM’s Balairung Hall.
Professor Hapsara was born in Yogyakarta on Dec. 1, 1947. She completed her medical education at Universitas Gadjah Mada and graduated as a doctor in 1973.
She pursued a specialty in Pediatrics at UGM and finished in 1982. She later earned her doctorate from Kobe University, Japan, in 2005.
Professor Hapsara’s career at UGM began in 1974 as a faculty member. Over time, she held several strategic positions, including Head of the Department of Pediatrics at FK-KMK UGM (2006–2009) and Director of Medical Services, Medical Support, and Nursing at UGM Academic Hospital (2011).
Additionally, she served as a member of the Interim Senate of UGM’s Vocational College in 2012.
As a doctor, Professor Hapsara firmly believed that her profession was to serve humanity, not to seek wealth.
This principle guided her to provide heartfelt patient care and mentor her students with a conscience. In her teachings, she emphasized the importance of integrity, empathy, and service to the community.
Professor Hapsara delivered her inaugural address on May 29, 2009, titled “Detection of Brain Development Disorders and the Development of Potential in Children with Special Needs.”
This speech reflected her concern for children with special needs and her commitment to supporting their potential development through a holistic medical approach.
Beyond her professional work, Professor Hapsara was also deeply involved in social activities. She founded the Indonesian Muscular Dystrophy Care Foundation, which assists and treats children with muscle disorders.
She also served as the Executive Director of Children House Lare Utami Yogyakarta, an institution providing education and healthcare services for children.
For her dedication, she was awarded the Satyalancana Karya Satya XXX by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in 2011.
Her social endeavors reflect her commitment to humanity, particularly to those requiring special attention. Even after retiring as a civil servant on Jan. 1, 2018, she remained active in social and organizational activities, demonstrating an unwavering spirit of service.
The entire academic community of UGM accompanies her final journey with their best prayers.
“Her dedication, struggles, and contributions during her time at Universitas Gadjah Mada will always be remembered,” concluded the UGM Board of Professors Secretary, Professor Wahyudi Kumorotomo.
Professor Hapsara’s legacy will live on through the educational innovations and service she rendered.
One of her lasting messages was the importance of “Never-Ending Innovation” in healthcare education, which aligns with Universitas Gadjah Mada’s vision of continuously fostering innovations for the nation’s advancement.
Author: Rahma
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Photographer: Donnie