Born in Garut on October 10, 1985, Gitalis Dwi Natarina grew up surrounded by music and dreams. When she joined Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) as part of the 2003 cohort in the Department of Sendratasik, Music Arts Program, she had already discovered a love for singing—a passion that UPI was destined to sharpen and elevate. “The lessons I gained at UPI Bandung aligned perfectly with my natural talents in the arts, especially vocal music,” Gitalis recalls, recognizing how the university shaped both her artistic and personal growth.​

Gitalis Dwi Natarina during her time as a UPI student (top row, second from the right) (Foto: Gita/ 2003/2005)

In 2005, that combination of innate ability and university training led Gitalis to national recognition when she won first place at KDI (Kontes Dangdut Indonesia) as West Java’s representative. The same year, she was honoured as West Java’s Highest Achiever Teen by the provincial governor—a moment when her voice became the pride of a region.​

 A New Stage for Advocacy

Gitalis’s achievements did not stop at musical excellence. In 2009, she was elected to Indonesia’s House of Representatives (DPR RI), serving on Commission IX as a member of the National Awakening Party (PKB) from 2009 to 2014. Her career in public service continued as Executive advisor at the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) from 2019 to 2024, followed by a nomination for West Java deputy governor in 2024, and an appointment as a Senior Executive Advisor at the Ministry of Industry for 2025–2029

This seamless transition from art to policy was not an accident, but an evolution. “There are so many lessons I learned at UPI that continue to guide me,” she reflects, “especially the spirit to keep improving and contributing to society.”

Cultivating Talent and Building a Legacy

As she advanced through new roles in government and advocacy, Gitalis credits UPI with nurturing the qualities that underlie her success. “UPI has produced so many outstanding generations. I hope in the years to come; even more talented alumni will emerge and make us proud.” Her journey from the music stage to the halls of parliament exemplifies the university’s mission to foster multidimensional leaders—those able to bridge creativity, empathy, and policy impact.

Now holding a master degree in social science, she stands as a living testimony to the power of an education that harmonizes talent with service. Gitalis’s career weaves together the threads of musical artistry, parliamentary advocacy, and strategic vision for Indonesia’s future, all rooted in the principles she learned at UPI.​

Her story encourages alumni and students alike to embrace their unique talents—whether artistic or academic—and to use their voices to create a lasting, positive impact in any arena. “Let us keep striving, so UPI continues to shine as the birthplace of extraordinary generations,” she urges, inspiring future leaders to find their harmonies between aspiration and achievement.