Eyang Meri, Wife of Former National Police Chief, Dies at 100 – Remembered for Kindness and Moral Strength
Table of Contents
A century of life marked by compassion and unwavering principles came to an end this week with the passing of Meriyati Hoegeng, affectionately known as Eyang Meri, wife of the 5th National Police Chief, General (Ret.) Hoegeng Iman Santoso. She died on Tuesday, February 3rd, at 1:25 PM local time, after receiving intensive care at the national Police hospital in Kramat Jati, east Jakarta.
Why did Eyang Meri pass away? Eyang Meri died after a period of intensive care at the National Police Hospital in Jakarta. While a specific illness wasn’t detailed, her passing marks the end of a long life dedicated to faith and virtue.
A Life Dedicated to Virtue
Born on June 23, 1925, to Soemakno Martokoesoemo and Jeanne Reyneke van Stuwe, Eyang Meri lived a life deeply rooted in faith and a commitment to justice. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across indonesian society, including a personal visit to her funeral home in Pesona Khayangan, Depok, from former Governor of DKI Jakarta, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok).
Who was Eyang Meri? Meriyati Hoegeng, known as Eyang Meri, was the wife of the 5th National Police Chief. She was born in 1925 and was widely respected for her kindness, faith, and commitment to justice.
ahok Recalls Eyang Meri’s Support During Detention
Ahok shared poignant memories of Eyang Meri’s unwavering support during a difficult period in his life. He recalled her words of comfort as he faced an uncertain future: “Don’t be anxious. You must believe that Allah will definitely help you.Believe in God, you will definitely accept him. Prepare the best place for him.” These were the last words he exchanged with her before her death on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026.
The former governor further elaborated on Eyang Meri’s kindness, noting that she regularly sent him food while he was detained at the Mako Brimob Detention Center in 2017. beyond sustenance, she offered moral guidance, consistently urging him to “fight for truth, honesty and justice.”
“Yes,for me parents are too Load,” Ahok stated,reflecting on her parental care. “He also often sends food to me. Time in detention also came. He also gave me paintings with very nice messages. ‘To continue fighting in truth, honesty and justice,’ he said.” He emphasized that her message was one of steadfastness: “That’s humanity. He always conveys that message. To remain firm in standing for what is truth, what is honesty, what is justice, and what is a humane man. He always emphasizes that.”
National Police Expresses Condolences
The National Police Headquarters joined in mourning the loss of Eyang Meri, expressing its deepest condolences to the family. head of Public Relations of the National Police, Inspector General Johnny Edison Isir, conveyed the institution’s sorrow, stating, “We, the extended Police family, share our deepest condolences.” He added that the National Police prays for husnulkhatimah, a good end, for the departed. “Hopefully Husnulkhatimah. Amen,O Lord.
How did the story end? Eyang Meri passed away on February 3rd, 2026, and was mourned by many, including former Governor Ahok and the National Police. Her legacy is one of kindness,faith,and a commitment to justice.
