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A Simple Yet Deeply Moving Farewell: The CIS Division Sends Off a Legend

Author: Agus Budi Harto, 2025-12-19 21:28:51


In the corporate world, farewell events serve as more than mere formalities—they are heartfelt acknowledgments of dedication, relationships built over years, and the indelible marks left by departing colleagues. On December 19, 2025, the CIS Division of PT Pamapersada Nusantara (PAMA) hosted such an occasion on the third floor of the PAMA 1 Building, honoring a retiring employee whose contributions had shaped the very fabric of the organization's IT landscape.

An Event Crafted with Care and Surprise

The farewell celebration, masterfully orchestrated by CIS Division Secretary Mei Sirait, carried an element of delightful surprise that immediately set an engaging tone for the gathering. The semi-surprise format created an atmosphere brimming with excitement and genuine emotion, a testament to the thoughtfulness invested in planning this special day.

The event bridged geographical boundaries through a hybrid format that exemplified modern workplace connectivity. IT Site personnel from across various locations joined online, their faces filling screens with warm smiles and well-wishes, while CIS Division Head Office employees gathered in person, creating a palpable sense of community and shared purpose.

A Ceremony Rich with Meaning

As the clock struck 10:30 AM, the event commenced with a prayer that grounded the celebration in gratitude and reflection. Agus Setyo Nugroho took on the role of master of ceremonies, bringing his characteristic blend of humor and professionalism that kept attendees engaged while maintaining the significance of the occasion. His ability to balance levity with sincerity created the perfect atmosphere for what would unfold.

The emotional centerpiece arrived early in the program—a video compilation that would leave few dry eyes in the room. Crafted by Clara Aprilea and her creative team, this masterpiece wove together farewell messages from IT Site personnel across the organization. The messages were artfully synchronized with music, transforming individual sentiments into a chorus of appreciation that resonated deeply with everyone present. The video served as a powerful reminder of how one person's influence can ripple across an entire organization, touching colleagues near and far.


Following this moving tribute, Marisa Afrimadona Eka Putri stepped forward to share her reflections and well-wishes, adding another layer of personal connection to the proceedings.

Voices from the Field: Perspectives from IT Sites

The ceremony then shifted to direct testimonials from colleagues who had worked closely with the retiree, Agus Budi Harto, affectionately known as AB. These perspectives painted a multifaceted portrait of a professional who had left lasting impressions across different contexts and locations.

Irham Hidayat Padang, representing KIDE Site, spoke not on behalf of all IT Sites but from his personal experience. His words carried particular weight as he expressed profound admiration for AB's relentless commitment to learning and growth. According to Irham, AB had consistently modeled the behavior he wished to see in others, demonstrating through action rather than mere words that continuous learning remains essential in the ever-evolving technology landscape. This dedication had inspired IT professionals throughout the organization to adopt similar attitudes toward professional development.

Zainul Rizal from KPCS Site offered a different but equally valuable perspective. He characterized AB as someone whose cheerful disposition and positive energy transformed work environments wherever he went. In Zainul's view, AB possessed that rare quality of lifting others' spirits even during challenging projects or difficult periods, making collaboration not just productive but genuinely enjoyable.

Nurul Anam from MTBU Site highlighted yet another dimension of AB's professional character—his straightforwardness and firmness. Drawing from experiences during audit activities, Anam noted how AB approached matters with clarity and decisiveness, never compromising on standards while maintaining fairness in all dealings. This integrity had earned him respect across the organization, particularly in situations requiring difficult decisions or uncomfortable conversations.

Leadership Speaks: Tributes from Department Heads

The farewell then elevated to include reflections from CIS Division leadership, each offering unique insights into AB's contributions and character.

Setyo Seto Aji, CIGO Department Head, emphasized AB's remarkable depth of knowledge. He described AB as someone "rich in literature"—not merely technically competent but genuinely scholarly in his approach to information technology. This intellectual curiosity and breadth of understanding had made AB a go-to resource for complex challenges and a mentor figure for those seeking to deepen their expertise.

Freddy Eko, serving as ITIF Department Head, aligned himself with Anam's earlier observation about AB's straightforward nature, but added an important qualifier. While AB indeed operated with clarity and directness, Freddy noted his remarkable flexibility across various situations. This combination—principled yet adaptable—represented a sophisticated professional maturity that enabled AB to navigate complex organizational dynamics while maintaining his core values.

Harun Al Rasyid, CISD Department Head, provided historical context that enriched everyone's understanding of AB's journey. He traced AB's origins as an accomplished programmer whose technical prowess had resulted in numerous applications that became integral to PAMA's operations. This reminder of AB's foundational contributions underscored how his influence extended beyond current relationships to systems and tools that would continue serving the organization long after his departure.

Hendri, the CIS Division Head, highlighted an aspect of AB's career that demonstrated his commitment to remaining at the forefront of his field. He spoke of AB's active participation in Indonesian IT communities populated by master's and doctoral degree holders, showing that AB's learning journey never stopped at formal education but continued through professional networks and knowledge exchange with the nation's brightest technology minds.

Finally, Hendri Guyjaya, Director in Charge of IT, offered perhaps the most striking tribute. He noted that professionals like AB were rare within PAMA—not merely competent, but possessing unique qualities and capabilities that set them apart. This acknowledgment from senior leadership validated what colleagues had experienced firsthand: that AB represented something special, a standard of excellence and character worth celebrating and emulating.

A Meaningful Conclusion

As all meaningful ceremonies must, the farewell event drew to a close with prayers that blessed AB's future endeavors and expressed collective gratitude for his years of service. A group photo captured the moment, freezing in time the smiles, the warmth, and the bittersweet recognition that an era was ending.

The presentation of mementos by both Hendri Guyjaya and Hendri added tangible symbols to the intangible appreciation expressed throughout the morning. These keepsakes would serve as permanent reminders of the bonds formed and the respect earned over a distinguished career.

With Friday prayers approaching, the organizers mindfully concluded the official program at 11:45 AM. Before attendees dispersed, snacks and refreshments were distributed to those present in person—a small gesture that allowed for informal conversations and final personal farewells, extending the sense of community just a bit longer.

Reflections on Gratitude and Humility

In closing, the retiree himself expressed heartfelt thanks to the CIGO Department team and all CIS Division employees for the beautiful sendoff. With characteristic humility, he also offered apologies for any mistakes or shortcomings during his tenure—a gracious gesture that only reinforced the respect his colleagues held for him.

The Retiree's Reflections: Five Meaningful Messages

Before the event concluded, Agus Budi Harto himself took the floor to share personal reflections that added depth and warmth to an already memorable occasion. His remarks, delivered with the same authenticity that had characterized his career, touched on five distinct themes that resonated with everyone present.

A Journey Beginning in 1998

AB began by recounting his entry into PAMA in 1998, a pivotal moment that would shape the next chapter of his professional life. He shared a remarkable detail that highlighted the trust placed in him and the challenges he embraced: he had once served as the sole IT Representative responsible for three sites—MHUT, Samarinda, and Balikpapan. This period of singular responsibility, managing technology infrastructure across multiple locations alone, demonstrated not only his technical capabilities but also his resilience and dedication during PAMA's formative years in information technology.

Integrity: The Currency of Character

AB then turned to a subject close to his heart—integrity. Using a powerful metaphor, he compared integrity to a Rp 100,000 banknote that, even when crumpled or stepped on, retains its printed value unchanged. He emphasized that employees must maintain their integrity regardless of surrounding pressures or influences, staying true to their principles just as the banknote stays true to its worth. AB illustrated this with a simple yet concrete example: if working hours are agreed to be 07:30-16:30, then one must arrive on time—no excuses, no compromises. Just as the Rp 100,000 note doesn't lose value despite physical abuse, a person's integrity should remain steadfast despite external circumstances or convenient justifications. This simple yet profound analogy left a lasting impression on attendees, many of whom would carry this lesson forward in their own careers, understanding that integrity isn't situational but absolute.

Perspective: The Parable of Three Blind Men and an Elephant

Addressing the importance of perspective, AB shared the timeless parable of three blind men encountering an elephant. Each man, touching a different part of the animal, formed a vastly different conclusion about what stood before them—the first felt the trunk and concluded the elephant was long and soft, the second touched the belly and determined it was round and large, while the third grasped the ear and found it thin and wide. Through this story, AB reminded his colleagues that in complex organizational environments, people often see only parts of larger situations. Understanding this limitation, he suggested, fosters humility, encourages collaboration, and helps teams appreciate diverse viewpoints to arrive at more complete understanding.

Gratitude, Apologies, and a Playful Quiz

AB's fourth point combined grace with humility as he offered sincere apologies for any mistakes made during his tenure and expressed deep gratitude to all who had supported him throughout his journey. Then, in a characteristic display of the lighthearted spirit his colleagues had praised, he concluded with an unexpected quiz offering prizes: "What does PAMA stand for?" This playful moment brought laughter and engagement, perfectly encapsulating AB's ability to balance professionalism with warmth, and ensuring his farewell ended not on a somber note but with smiles and the kind of positive energy he had brought to the organization for over two decades.

This farewell event, while simple in its structure, proved profoundly moving in its execution and impact. It demonstrated that the most meaningful celebrations aren't necessarily the most elaborate, but rather those infused with genuine appreciation, personal connection, and shared history. As AB embarks on his retirement, he leaves behind not just applications and systems, but a legacy of dedication, continuous learning, positive spirit, integrity, and excellence that will continue inspiring his former colleagues for years to come.

The third floor of PAMA 3 Building witnessed more than a retirement celebration on December 19, 2025—it hosted a testament to a career well-lived and a reminder that the greatest professional achievements are measured not in projects completed but in lives touched and standards elevated.

More photos are in the gallery.

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