[1] During the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies, Munandar joined the Defenders of the Homeland (PETA) paramilitary organization.

In independent Indonesia, he took part in operations against the South Maluku Republic, the Darul Islam revolt, and the PRRI/Permesta rebellion.

[1] In the aftermath of the 30 September movement in 1965, Munandar took part in the anti-communist crackdowns, as the commander of Surabaya's military district.

[1][2] On one occasion, he remarked to his commanding officer that their unit should release imprisoned Indonesian Communist Party cadres so that they could be killed.

[3] At the time, as a major general, he was considered to become a potential governor for Irian Jaya, but due to popular rejection the idea was shelved.

[11] Fearing retaliation from the central government, Suko left Pekanbaru for Jakarta the following day, and was eventually pressured into resigning his candidacy by 10 September.