Herman Darnel Ibrahim, commonly known as HDI, was born in Payakumbuh in 1954. HDI served as a Member of the National Energy Council (DEN) for the 2020–2024 and 2009–2014 periods. His previous key positions include Member of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI) for 2014–2019 [PAW], Director of PT PLN (2003–2008), and Director of PT Indonesia Power (1998–2003). He has also worked as an analyst and advisor in the electricity and energy sectors, as well as a lecturer in the Master’s Program at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia.
After graduating from high school in Payakumbuh at the end of 1972, HDI continued his education at the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1978. After graduating from ITB, he immediately joined PLN. In 1986, he received a scholarship to pursue a Master’s degree at the University of Manchester, England, graduating in 1988 with a Master of Science in Electrical Power Systems.
In 1995, while continuing to serve as a senior executive at PLN, he pursued his doctoral studies at ITB and obtained his Doctorate in 2004. From 2006 to 2011, he served as a lecturer in the Master’s Program in Electrical Power Technology and Management at STEI ITB. In 2009, he was appointed as an Adjunct Professor at UNITEN (Universiti Tenaga Nasional), Malaysia.
For nearly 30 years, from 1978 to 2008, HDI built his career at PT PLN Persero, with his final position being Director of Transmission and Distribution of PLN from 2003 to 2008. Several other important positions he held at PLN and its subsidiaries included Director of Commercial Affairs at PT Indonesia Power (a PLN subsidiary) from 1998 to 2000; Director of Human Resources and Organization at PT Indonesia Power from 2000 to 2003; and President Director of PT Cogindo DayaBersama (a subsidiary of PT Indonesia Power) from 1998 to 1999.
HDI has been actively involved in various non-profit professional organizations in the energy sector. He previously served as Chairman of API (Indonesian Geothermal Association) from 2001–2004. He currently serves as Chairman of the Expert Council of MASKEEI (Indonesian Society for Energy Conservation and Efficiency); Member of the Board of Trustees of METI (Indonesian Renewable Energy Society); Advisor to API; Expert Council Member of MKI (Indonesian Electricity Society); Expert Council Member of BKE PII; Advisor to ASELI (Indonesian Ocean Energy Association); and Expert Council Member of AESI (Indonesian Solar Energy Association).
HDI is also active in international organizations, serving as Chairman of the Indonesian National Committee of CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems) since 2006, Chairman of CIGRE Regional Asia and Oceania from 2008–2010, and Vice President of IGA (International Geothermal Association) from 2013–2016.
