From Subdistrict Head to Governor: The Long Public Service Journey of Danny Setiawan

PURWAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Danny Setiawan built a long career in public service spanning several decades, starting from his role as a subdistrict head (camat) to eventually being entrusted to lead West Java as its governor.

The former Governor of West Java passed away on Saturday (September 19, 2026) at the age of 81.

Before reaching the highest office in West Java provincial government, Danny held various bureaucratic positions at both the district and provincial levels.

His government career began when he was appointed Camat Cimarga, Lebak Regency, from 1968 to 1969.

Following that, he was assigned as Deputy KPS in Ransiki, Manokwari Regency, Irian Barat, from 1969 to 1970.

Danny's career continued within the Lebak Regency Government.

He served as Head of the Government Section at Setwilda Level II Lebak from 1973 to 1977, before being appointed Regional Secretary of Lebak Regency from 1977 to 1984.

In 1984, Danny began holding several positions within the West Java Provincial Government.

He was Head of the Social and Cultural Division at Bappeda Level I West Java from 1984 to 1988.

Afterwards, he was appointed Head of the Finance Bureau at Setwilda Level I West Java from 1988 to 1990.

His career progressed as Head of the Regional Development Bureau at Setwilda Level I West Java from 1990 to 1994.

Between 1994 and 1997, Danny served as Head of the West Java Provincial Revenue Office.

Later, he was appointed Assistant for Development Administration at Setwilda Level I West Java from 1997 to 1998.

Career peak before becoming West Java governor

Danny reached the pinnacle of his bureaucratic career prior to becoming a regional head when he was entrusted as Regional Secretary of West Java Province from 1998 to 2003.

Five years later, Danny rose to the top of West Java’s government. He was inaugurated as Governor of West Java on June 13, 2003, serving until June 13, 2008.

Throughout his career, Danny received numerous awards, including the Satyalancana Karya Satya, Satyalancana Wira Karya, Bhakti Koperasi Certificate, Small and Medium Entrepreneur Award, and a 30-year service award from the Governor of West Java.

Danny passed away at his residence on Jalan Anggrek Number 14, Bandung, at around 6:00 a.m. WIB on Saturday.

His third child of four siblings, Rio Teguh Pribadi, said that his father’s physical condition had declined over the past two years and he mostly stayed on bed rest at home.

“At 6:00 in the morning at home, on Jalan Anggrek Number 14. In good health, without illness,” Rio said when met at the family cemetery on Jalan Kopi, Ciwareng Village, Babakancikao Subdistrict, Purwakarta Regency, Saturday.

According to Rio, the past two years were largely a period of rest for Danny, spending most of his time at home.

“Perhaps because he had been going through a process these past two years. And today was the time for him to leave us all,” he added.

This condition also meant Danny rarely visited Purwakarta, despite the family cemetery complex there being prepared long ago.

After being prayed over at Gedung Sate, Bandung, Danny’s body was taken to Purwakarta to be buried in the family cemetery complex on Jalan Kopi, Ciwareng Village.

The body arrived at around 2:15 p.m. WIB. Tears and deep sorrow filled the area as family and relatives greeted the arrival.

Danny was buried right beside his mother’s grave, the late Juwita.

The location had been prepared by the family in accordance with Danny’s wishes during his lifetime.

Rio said the cemetery complex was purchased by the family while Danny was still actively serving.

“It was bought when Dad was still serving, still working. For the family, the family cemetery is here,” Rio said.

The cemetery complex covers about 3,000 square meters, approximately 1,000 square meters of which is designated as a special area for family graves.

Apart from Juwita’s grave, Danny’s father, the late S Hadi Sujony, and other close relatives have also been buried at the site.

Because Danny was mostly on bed rest over the last two years, the family rarely visited the cemetery.

Prior to the burial, the family returned to clean and arrange the gravesite.

“When Dad began bed rest, we rarely came here. So this time, we needed to tidy up the cemetery, since grass had grown here,” Rio said.

According to Rio, the site was from the beginning intended as the family burial ground.

“Just finding the right place. I guess it would be for Dad and later Mom. It has been prepared from the start,” he said.

Amidst the grief, Rio asked the people of West Java to pray for Danny and forgive any mistakes he made during his service as a public official.

“Please pray for him for the people of West Java. May Allah SWT grant him a smooth path to heaven,” Rio said.

“And please forgive any mistakes he may have made while carrying out his duties back then,” he added.