From Hoegeng we learned that holding a position is not a special right to act arbitrarily. The father of the Indonesian police remains unequalled.

After finishing his police training, Hoegeng became close with Sukarno. His relationship with Suharto was marked by a number of conflicts.

After being replaced as National Police Chief, Hoegeng Iman Santoso spent his days painting and playing music. His political activity with the Petition of 50 created a lot of difficulties in his life, including being prevented from traveling abroad. 

Hoegeng refused accommodations and gifts while leading the National Police. He was replaced after investigating the smuggling of luxury cars.

Hoegeng moved from one region and institution to the next. At the immigration office, he did not take his salary and official accommodations. He was once accused of being anti-Chinese.

Hoegeng and today’s police officers.

Born to a noble family, little Hoegeng dreamt of one day joining the police force. His journey was far from straightforward.