By: Ngurah Sigit
Every morning, the sun rises with one certainty: it will shine. Regardless of who needs it or who may be unaware of its presence, the sun continues to provide light to everyone without discrimination. The sun never asks for anything in return, never demands recognition, and never tires of fulfilling its duty. This simple yet profound philosophy symbolizes the devotion of Darmawan Prasodjo, Ph.D., a leader who dedicates his life wholeheartedly to serving the nation.
Darmawan, currently serving as the President Director of PLN, is not just a technocrat but a champion of noble values passed down by his father, Brigadier General Sadja Moeljoredjo. As the former Principal of Taruna Nusantara High School, Brigadier General Sadja was a leader known for his integrity, high discipline, and commitment to honesty. These values were not only nurtured within the family environment but also became guiding principles that Darmawan continues to uphold to this day.
Since childhood, Darmawan was raised with the understanding that life is about striving for collective well-being, not about pursuing personal grandeur. His father often reminded him, “True struggle is not for self-glorification but for defending the underprivileged.” This statement was not just advice but a life direction for Darmawan. In every policy he formulates as PLN’s leader, this principle serves as the foundation. For Darmawan, his duty is not merely to provide electricity but to ensure that every citizen, whether in large cities or remote villages, has equal access to energy because electricity symbolizes progress and hope.
Darmawan not only learned about devotion from his father but also about courage. “The courage of a development warrior is measured by how steadfastly they uphold integrity and honesty,” said Brigadier General Sadja. This courage has become Darmawan’s compass in facing significant challenges, from modernizing the electrical system to transitioning to renewable energy. As a leader, he never hesitates to make major decisions, even when those decisions carry substantial risks. For Darmawan, courage is not about demonstrating power but about adhering to the right principles, even when faced with pressure from various sides.
This life philosophy also taught Darmawan to view challenges not as obstacles but as integral parts of a meaningful journey. His father often said, “Life’s challenges must be faced as the romanticism of struggle.” This philosophy shapes Darmawan’s perspective on all difficulties he encounters, both in his career and personal life. When dealing with various crises at PLN, from distribution disruptions to the push for green energy transitions, Darmawan does not see them as burdens but as opportunities to innovate and deliver the best for society.
Behind his courage and fighting spirit, Darmawan also firmly upholds the value of simplicity. For him, a position of power is not an excuse to live in luxury. His father once said, “The logical consequence of living honestly and with integrity is simplicity.” This principle is evident in how Darmawan conducts his life. Despite holding the top position, he remains humble, close to the people, and always prioritizes the greater good over personal interests. This simplicity not only reflects his integrity but also serves as an inspiration to many who see him as an example of a leader devoted to service.
Like the sun that tirelessly shines, Darmawan never stops serving. He works day and night to ensure that PLN not only provides energy but also acts as an agent of change, delivering significant benefits to the nation. In his vision, PLN is not just about the present but also the future. With a focus on renewable energy, he is steering PLN toward a more environmentally friendly direction, laying the groundwork for future generations to live in a greener and more sustainable world.
Darmawan Prasodjo embodies the philosophy of the sun. In every step he takes, he carries the spirit to give selflessly, to serve without expecting anything in return, and to be a light for those in need. His philosophy teaches that true devotion is not about how much we can take from this world but about how much we can give.
Like the sun that never chooses who deserves its light, Darmawan continues to shine for this nation. In his light, there is hope, warmth, and life. Through his service, he proves that a true leader is one who can make themselves a source of light for others, without ever seeking recompense. Darmawan is the sun for this nation, whose light will continue to illuminate Indonesia’s journey toward a brighter future.
The author is a sociologist, cultural observer, and media enthusiast.