Darmawan Prasodjo: The visionary leader of transformation and energy transition movement in Indonesia

Under his guidance, PLN underwent a comprehensive digital transformation, organisational restructuring, and a pioneering energy transition, positioning it as a Southeast Asian leader. 

Three years ago, whilst many companies in Indonesia faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the country's largest energy company, PLN, recorded its best profit in history: Rp 13.2t in 2021 and Rp 14.4t or USD 1.1b in 2022. Buoyed by this success, PLN garnered 314 awards in 2022, which surged to 779 in 2023.

These remarkable achievements can be credited to Darmawan Prasodjo's leadership in spearheading transformative initiatives within the company. As President Director, Darmawan guided PLN's transformation journey three years prior, emphasising innovation and efficiency, all grounded in digitalisation. This digital shift encompassed power generation, transmission, distribution, control systems, customer service, planning, and financial management, bolstering the company's efficiency and resilience.

"We've established the safest and most reliable electricity operation system, ensuring robust financial sustainability. This transformation has rendered PLN's services more responsive, satisfactory, and equitable," remarked Darmawan.

Furthermore, Darmawan oversaw organisational restructuring by establishing sub-holdings. This move streamlined PLN's business processes, shifting its organisational culture from bureaucratic to business-centric. Consequently, previously fragmented PLN assets were consolidated, with infrastructure initially designated for electricity services now diversifying into future-oriented non-electricity business services, amplifying the company's value.

"With this restructuring, PLN has become more agile. We now boast the largest sub-holding in Southeast Asia and are poised for global expansion," Darmawan added.

Under Darmawan's stewardship, PLN initiated an energy transition to address global warming concerns. The company and the government formulated Indonesia's greenest National Electricity Supply Business Plan (RUPTL), marking the first instance where renewable energy surpassed half of total power capacity addition.

"Without intervention, greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector could reach 1 billion tons by 2060. However, with our strategic roadmap and dedicated efforts, we're confident in achieving Net Zero Emissions (NZE) by 2060," affirmed Darmawan.

Additionally, under Darmawan's direction, PLN forged partnerships with global entities focused on energy transition, including the International Energy Agency (IEA), Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), amongst others, encompassing technology and financing.

"Collaborative energy transitions are pivotal for Indonesia to sustain its rapid economic growth whilst championing environmentally-friendly and affordable energy solutions," Darmawan remarked.

Through Darmawan's resolute leadership, PLN's energy transition endeavours are set to bolster national capacity, create employment opportunities, promote societal prosperity, mitigate poverty, and, concurrently, safeguard the environment.

Darmawan also champions the enhancement of human resource capabilities to navigate energy transition challenges. He underscores the importance of fostering agile and adaptable talent to propel PLN's transformation into a global force and play a pivotal role in realising NZE by 2060.

"Energy transition necessitates a paradigm shift amongst PLN personnel. Once well-versed in fossil fuel-based power generation, we now prioritise competencies in renewable energy," Darmawan emphasised.

Developing an accurate, powerful, and impactful communication strategy

As an energy enterprise, PLN spearheaded efforts to expedite energy transition in Indonesia. To effectively achieve this goal, the company strategically highlighted positive narratives, bolstering PLN's reputation as a Green Company.

Under Darmawan's guidance, PLN revamped its corporate communication segment overseen by the Corporate Communication and CSR Division. The company transformed from a previously ad-hoc, ineffective, and imprecise communication approach to one that was precise, potent, and resonant.

By formulating a robust agenda-setting mechanism, PLN sculpted public perceptions, ensuring that the disseminated narratives were both pertinent and resonated with the public. This strategic approach enhanced the efficacy of the company's communication campaigns centred on various corporate initiatives.

The Corporate Communication Division pioneered innovations and embraced digitalisation to fortify the company's favourable public image and stakeholder relations. A notable innovation was the establishment of the Communication War Room.

This War Room meticulously tracks data from mainstream media and social platforms, acting as a preemptive alert system and streamlining corporate issue management. Such a framework empowers the team to discern real-time shifts in media narratives and public sentiment. Consequently, PLN's initiatives garnered heightened public and stakeholder support.

Darmawan further bolstered the skills and competencies of the Corporate Communication Division and CSR PLN personnel, pivotal in shaping the company's dialogue with the public.

The tangible results of this communication overhaul are undeniable. In 2022 alone, media coverage on PLN's energy transition endeavours totalled 17,924 mentions. Additionally, a national survey revealed that 45% of respondents grasped the intricacies of the energy transition discourse. Within this segment, an overwhelming 86% expressed strong confidence in PLN's proficiency to actualise the Energy Transition Program. Thus, PLN's strategic communication endeavours effectively bolstered public trust in the company's capability to drive the Energy Transition Program. 

"The revitalisation of our corporate communication strategy is geared towards underpinning the company's growth trajectory and cementing PLN's leadership in advancing energy transition within Indonesia," Darmawan encapsulated.

The Asian Management Excellence Awards is presented by Asian Business Review Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's employee engagements and management initiatives, please contact Jane Patiag at [email protected].