Pramono Anung Shares Life Story and the Value of Literacy at ITB’s Studium Generale
By Chysara Rabani - Mahasiswa Teknik Pertambangan, 2022
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
Pramono Anung and his wife joined online in the first session of the book discussion “Front Stage, Back Stage: Pramono Anung Wibowo” at ITB’s West Hall, Saturday (27/9/2025).
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id – Pramono Anung Wibowo, Governor of DKI Jakarta for the 2025–2030 term, spoke at a Studium Generale held at ITB’s West Hall, Ganesha Campus, on Saturday (27/9/2025). The event, titled “Book Discussion: Front Stage, Back Stage: Pramono Anung Wibowo,” was moderated by Ir. Lies Hartono (Cak Lontong) and also featured the book’s writers and designer.
In the first session, titled “Front Stage,” Pramono shared the long journey of his life—from being active as an ITB student, to his political career in the House of Representatives and the cabinet, and now his role as Governor of DKI Jakarta. He said every phase taught him the importance of perseverance, collective experience, and the ability to adapt to different challenges in each period of life.
He also emphasized the importance of literacy in shaping leadership. “People who are used to reading books will certainly have a different perspective from those who never read,” he said.
For him, books are not only a source of knowledge, but also a space to broaden perspectives, sharpen critical thinking, and provide inspiration for decision-making.
Regarding Indonesia’s broader vision, Pramono highlighted strategic steps toward Golden Indonesia 2045. He argued that this historic momentum has not been maximized, even though each generation faces different challenges. Therefore, the role of young people is key.
“Young people must dream as high as possible and work to make those dreams come true. I place great hopes on the current generation to build this nation,” he said. He delivered this message to encourage ITB students to develop long-term vision as well as the courage to execute it.
Reflecting on his political journey, Pramono described the difference between “back stage” and “front stage” roles. Before becoming governor, he was more often behind the scenes—preparing speech drafts, designing policy documents, and accompanying the president in decision-making processes.
However, once he became governor, he realized he needed to be more proactive in the public eye, engage directly with communities, and set policy priorities that address the most fundamental needs. His main focus is resolving issues faced by lower-income communities, particularly by expanding access to education in Jakarta.
“The values I always hold on to are honesty and seriousness in education. Those have been my foundation since my days as an ITB student,” he said. In his view, campus experiences do not only shape personal identity, but also build the confidence to step onto the national stage.
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The second session of the book discussion “Front Stage, Back Stage: Pramono Anung Wibowo” at ITB’s West Hall, Ganesha Campus, Saturday (27/9/2025).
The second session featured the creative figures behind the making of the book “Front Stage, Back Stage: Pramono Anung Wibowo,” including writers Candra Gautama and Wisnu Nugroho, as well as designer Yasser Rizky.
Wisnu emphasized the importance of research, observation, and interviews in the pursuit of truth. He also highlighted Pramono’s long-standing consistency in time discipline. Candra, who is also Pramono’s neighbor in Kediri, shared the challenges of reconstructing a political journey filled with compromises, while still capturing Pramono’s unique style.
Meanwhile, Yasser described the creative process of designing the book’s visuals. Initially, the book was developed as a memoir concept in 2023. However, as the ideas evolved, by 2025 its direction shifted toward reaching a wider audience, especially young people.
“The orange color was chosen as the main element because it is considered to represent Jakarta’s dynamism—energetic, warm, and always in motion,” he explained.
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This Studium Generale offered a comprehensive overview of Pramono Anung’s life and leadership journey, while also showcasing the collective work behind the creation of a political literacy publication. More than a book discussion, the event served as a space for reflection for ITB students to learn about leadership, hard work, and the vital role of literacy in building the nation.
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