Haryo Putro Dirgantoro (“Dirga”) is a dynamic young professional and adventurer whose life story is as much about the places he has explored as the work he has accomplished. Although widely recognized for his achievements in law and policy—having graduated cum laude from the Faculty of Law at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM)—Dirga is quick to clarify that his true passion lies in the experiences and connections forged through travel.

Born and raised in Indonesia, Dirga developed a deep appreciation for the world’s diversity from a young age. His academic journey at UGM was marked by academic excellence, with a GPA of 3.73 out of 4.00 and recognition as one of the faculty’s top students. He received several merit-based scholarships and participated in national law competitions, student organizations, and volunteer initiatives. While these accomplishments are significant, Dirga often reflects that it was the people he met and the stories he heard outside the classroom that shaped his worldview most profoundly.

Dirga’s professional experience is broad and impressive. He worked as a lawyer at KPMG, gaining expertise in corporate law, due diligence, and regulatory compliance. He later contributed to legal research at UGM’s Center for Law and Social Justice, Center for Energy Studies, and Center for Population and Policy Studies, providing policy recommendations on human rights, environmental law, and governance. He also interned at the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), focusing on climate policy and advocacy, and participated in the ASEAN Youth Initiative Empowerment Program, where he researched human rights in Southeast Asia.

Despite these professional milestones, Dirga’s heart is always drawn to the road. He is a passionate traveler who believes that every journey is an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Jakarta, the tranquil beaches of Bali, or the historic various cities of Europe during his time currently in the UK, Dirga is constantly seeking new adventures and experiences. He values the spontaneity and unpredictability of travel and journey, often inviting friends to join him on trips and turning every excursion into a shared adventure. He sees travel not just as a form of leisure but as a vital tool for self-discovery and cross-cultural understanding.

Dirga is fluent in Indonesian, English, and Javanese, with elementary proficiency in Dutch—skills that have allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life. His love for photography and videography is an extension of his passion for travel; he captures moments of beauty, resilience, and transformation wherever he goes, sharing these stories with friends and followers. His visual storytelling allows him to convey emotions and insights that words alone sometimes cannot express.

In 2024, Dirga was selected as a member of the EU Youth Sounding Board for Indonesia, a prestigious role that reflects his commitment to youth empowerment and international collaboration. He was also awarded the highly competitive Chevening Scholarship by the British Government to pursue an LL.M. in Human Rights at the University of Glasgow. While these achievements are a source of pride, Dirga is quick to point out that his greatest lessons have come from the people he has met and the places he has visited. He believes these human connections are what give true meaning to any journey—professional or personal.

Dirga’s approach to life is guided by curiosity, openness, and a desire to build bridges between cultures and mindsets. He believes in the power of travel to foster understanding and empathy, and he is always eager to share his experiences with others. Whether planning his next adventure or reflecting on past journeys, Dirga remains committed to living a life full of discovery, connection, and joy. He hopes to inspire others—especially youth from underrepresented backgrounds—to explore the world and embrace its diversity.

Dirga is always open to new opportunities for collaboration and adventure. For those who wish to connect, share travel tips, or invite him on their next journey.