Meriyati Roeslani, affectionately known as Meri Hoegeng, the beloved wife of the late revered National Police Chief General (Ret.) Hoegeng Iman Santoso, passed away at the age of 100 on Tuesday, February 3, at 1:24 PM Western Indonesia Time (WIB) at RS Polri Kramatjati. Her passing marks the end of an era, leaving a profound sense of loss across the nation.
“We humbly ask for the deepest forgiveness for any mistakes or shortcomings of the deceased during her lifetime,” read a statement from the family obtained by Kumparan. “May Allah SWT accept her good deeds, forgive her sins, and grant her the best place by His side.” Brigadier General Pol. Prima Heru Yulihartono, Head of RS Polri Kramatjati, confirmed that Meri Hoegeng died due to illness, a condition she had been battling since 2020.
In a poignant tribute, Indonesia’s 5th President and Chairwoman of the PDI Perjuangan (PDIP), Megawati Soekarnoputri, expressed her deep sorrow over the passing of “Eyang Meri.” General Hoegeng, who served as National Police Chief from 1968 to 1971, is widely remembered as an emblem of integrity within the police force. “I convey my deepest condolences and sadness because Pak Hoegeng’s family was like my own. I personally called Ibu Hoegeng ‘Tante Meri’,” Megawati stated from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Tuesday, February 3. She fondly recalled her close relationship with the Hoegeng family, including Meri’s daughter, Reni, who was her schoolmate at Perguruan Cikini Jakarta. Megawati described “Tante Meri” as “a very kind wife and mother. She was warm, possessed a high artistic spirit, and was active with Pak Hoegeng in the Hawaiian Senior band.” She recounted visiting their home numerous times during their music practice sessions, memories that underscored the Hoegeng family’s simple and down-to-earth nature.
Adding to the chorus of condolences, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo conveyed his profound grief over the demise of Meriyati Roeslani Hoegeng. For General Sigit and the entire Polri institution, her departure represents a significant loss. “As the National Police Chief, along with the General Chairwoman of Bhayangkari, representing the entire extended family of the Polri institution and Bhayangkari, I express my deepest condolences on the passing of Ibu Meriyati Roeslani Hoegeng (Eyang Meri), the beloved wife of the late General Pol. (Ret.) Hoegeng Iman Santoso,” Sigit stated in a press release on Tuesday, February 3. He further emphasized Meri Hoegeng’s enduring impact, saying, “Polri has lost a significant figure in Eyang Meri. She was not merely a witness to history, but also a beacon of example for us. Throughout her life, she was a true inspiration for all succeeding generations of Polri and Bhayangkari to uphold the dignity of the institution.”
The Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri), Tito Karnavian, also extended his sympathies, visiting the wake of Meri Hoegeng at her residence in Pesona Khayangan State, Depok, West Java, on Tuesday night. Accompanied by Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Akhmad Wiyagus, both former Polri members, Tito offered his heartfelt condolences. “We convey our deepest condolences, on behalf of myself, my family, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, because we know that the late Bapak Hoegeng was a figure who always inspired us, the younger generation, a role model for us,” Tito remarked at the funeral home. He highlighted that Meri Hoegeng’s exemplary life extended beyond police officers, serving as a guiding figure for the wives of police officers, known as Bhayangkari.
Beyond official tributes, Meri Hoegeng’s passing also sheds light on a deeply personal and touching story of enduring love. Meriyati Roeslani, who passed away at 100 years old, will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the Giri Tama Non-Public Cemetery (TPBU) in Bogor Regency on Wednesday, February 4. Aditya S. Hoegeng, the couple’s second child, revealed that this joint burial was his father’s final wish. Despite General Hoegeng’s eligibility for burial in a Heroes’ Cemetery due to his distinguished service to the nation, he chose to be interred alongside Meriyati. “The reason Bapak did not want to be buried in the Heroes’ Cemetery was his message, ‘If I am buried in the Heroes’ Cemetery, your mother will not be beside me’,” Aditya recounted, imitating his father’s words during an interview at the funeral home in Pesona Khayangan State, Depok, on Tuesday, February 3. He explained that a plot in the Heroes’ Cemetery was allocated only for his father, not his mother, making Hoegeng’s choice to be buried in Tonjong (the location of Giri Tama) a testament to their lifelong bond.
Meri Hoegeng’s health had been declining since 2020, suffering from severe injuries and remaining bedridden for six years due to advanced age and illness. She had been hospitalized twice prior to her passing. Her remains were brought to the funeral home at Pesona Khayangan State, Depok, after being at RS Polri, awaiting burial on Wednesday, February 4, where she will finally reunite with the love of her life.
Summary
Meriyati Roeslani, affectionately known as Meri Hoegeng, wife of the late National Police Chief General Hoegeng Iman Santoso, passed away at 100 years old on Tuesday, February 3, at RS Polri Kramatjati. Her death, caused by illness she had battled since 2020, prompted widespread condolences from national figures including former President Megawati Soekarnoputri and the current National Police Chief. She was remembered for her kind nature, artistic spirit, and as a beacon of integrity alongside her revered husband.
Meri Hoegeng will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the Giri Tama Non-Public Cemetery in Bogor Regency on Wednesday, February 4. This joint burial fulfills General Hoegeng’s specific wish to be interred with his wife rather than in a Heroes’ Cemetery, highlighting their profound and enduring bond. Her life served as an inspiration for generations, particularly within the Polri institution and Bhayangkari.