Prof. Yohanes Surya, Ph.D.: Pioneering Physics Education in Indonesia
Early Life and Education
Born on November 6, 1963, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Yohanes Surya was the seventh of nine children in a modest family. His father was a retired soldier, and his mother sold traditional cookies. Despite financial constraints, Surya's passion for science was evident from a young age. He completed his primary education at SD Pulogadung Petang II, followed by SMPN 90 and SMAN 12 in Jakarta. With support from his older siblings, he enrolled in the Physics Department at the University of Indonesia, earning his bachelor's degree in 1986. He then pursued further studies at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, USA, obtaining both his master's and doctoral degrees in physics with highest honors .
Professional Career and Contributions
After completing his doctorate, Surya worked as a theoretical physics consultant at the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) in Virginia. Despite opportunities in the United States, he chose to return to Indonesia in 1993 to advance physics education in his homeland. He became a lecturer and researcher in nuclear physics at the University of Indonesia and took on the role of leading the Indonesian Physics Olympiad Team (TOFI) Training Center .
Mentoring the Indonesian Physics Olympiad Team
Under Surya's guidance since 1993, the Indonesian Physics Olympiad Team has achieved remarkable success, securing 54 gold medals, 33 silver medals, and 42 bronze medals in various international competitions. His innovative "fun and applicable physics" training approach has been instrumental in these accomplishments .
Founding the Surya Institute and Surya University
In 2006, Surya established the Surya Institute with the vision of transforming Indonesia through the development of 30,000 Ph.D. holders in science and technology. The institute focuses on reforming science and math education, particularly for students from remote and underprivileged areas. In 2013, he founded Surya University, Indonesia's first research-based private university, aiming to foster a prosperous Indonesia by 2030 .
Initiating the Asian Physics Olympiad
Recognizing the need for a regional platform to nurture young physicists, Surya, along with Prof. Waldemar Gorzkowski, initiated the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) in 2000. The inaugural event was hosted in Indonesia, attracting participants from 12 Asian countries. APhO has since become a prestigious annual competition, promoting excellence in physics among high school students across Asia .
Philosophy of "Mestakung" and Cultural Impact
Surya is known for his philosophy of "Mestakung," an abbreviation of "Semesta Mendukung," meaning "the universe supports." He believes that when individuals strive earnestly towards their goals, the universe conspires to help them succeed. This philosophy inspired the 2011 Indonesian film "Semesta Mendukung," which portrays the journey of a young boy from Madura competing in the International Physics Olympiad .
Throughout his career, Surya has received numerous accolades, including the CEBAF/SURA Awards (1992/93), the Zable Fellowship (1993/94), the Creativity Award from the Creativity Development Foundation (2005), and the Lencana Satya Wira Karya from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2006) .
Under Surya's guidance since 1993, the Indonesian Physics Olympiad Team has achieved remarkable success, securing 54 gold medals, 33 silver medals, and 42 bronze medals in various international competitions. His innovative "fun and applicable physics" training approach has been instrumental in these accomplishments .
Founding the Surya Institute and Surya University
In 2006, Surya established the Surya Institute with the vision of transforming Indonesia through the development of 30,000 Ph.D. holders in science and technology. The institute focuses on reforming science and math education, particularly for students from remote and underprivileged areas. In 2013, he founded Surya University, Indonesia's first research-based private university, aiming to foster a prosperous Indonesia by 2030 .
Initiating the Asian Physics Olympiad
Recognizing the need for a regional platform to nurture young physicists, Surya, along with Prof. Waldemar Gorzkowski, initiated the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) in 2000. The inaugural event was hosted in Indonesia, attracting participants from 12 Asian countries. APhO has since become a prestigious annual competition, promoting excellence in physics among high school students across Asia .
Philosophy of "Mestakung" and Cultural Impact
Surya is known for his philosophy of "Mestakung," an abbreviation of "Semesta Mendukung," meaning "the universe supports." He believes that when individuals strive earnestly towards their goals, the universe conspires to help them succeed. This philosophy inspired the 2011 Indonesian film "Semesta Mendukung," which portrays the journey of a young boy from Madura competing in the International Physics Olympiad .
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Surya has received numerous accolades, including the CEBAF/SURA Awards (1992/93), the Zable Fellowship (1993/94), the Creativity Award from the Creativity Development Foundation (2005), and the Lencana Satya Wira Karya from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (2006) .
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