[1] He attended elementary and junior high school in Yogyakarta, where he became active with the student organization Gerakan Siswa Nasional Indonesia.

The following year, the American Embassy offered Djarot a chance to study at the London International Film School.

Of these, his most popular was Badai Pasti Berlalu, which was released to critical acclaim,[1] earning Djarot an award at the Indonesian Film Festival for Best Original Score; the soundtrack album of the same name, made under Djarot's direction,[3] was eventually selected by Rolling Stone Indonesia as the best Indonesian album of all time.

However, after a disagreement with then-party leader Soerjadi, Djarot joined the Indonesian Democratic Party – Struggle (PDI-P).

[1] In 2008, Djarot's film Lastri, a love story about a Communist Gerwani member, was prevented from filming in Surakarta, Central Java due to the Surakarta police not granting permission; previously Djarot had received permission from the Indonesian National Police headquarters in Jakarta.