Raden Said Soekanto Tjokrodiatmodjo was born in Bogor, West Java, the eldest of six siblings, of R. Martomihardjo, a civil servant from Ketangi Daleman, Purworejo, Central Java and Kasmirah from Ciawi, Bogor, West Java. At a few months old, Soekanto and his parents left Bogor and moved to Balaraja, Serang, after Martomihardjo was appointed as a wedana. In 1910, his family moved to Tangerang. His father's position as civil servant and wedana, had a great influence on Soekanto's life because his father had authority in the local community.[2]
Education
Soekanto was one of the few indigenous people who received a Dutch education. During his time at Europeesche Lagere School Bogor, Soekanto refused to be given a Dutch name, This refusal was based on an advice given by his father not to change Soekanto's name to a Dutch nickname.[3]
While studying at Rechtshoogeschool te Batavia in 1928, Soekanto became acquainted with Jong Java and nationalists figures, Sartono and Iwa Kusumasumantri, discussing about the struggle for Indonesian independence. He was forced to leave Rechtshoogeschool te Batavia because his father had retired from the position of Wedana Tangerang.[4]
In 1930, Soekanto was accepted as a student of Aspirant Commisaris van Politie, graduating in 1933 receiving the rank of Police Commissioner class III.[3]
On 15 December 1958, he was replaced by Soekarno Djojonegoro, as Chief of the Indonesian National Police.[2]
On 8 August 1973, During the New Order government he was appointed by President Suharto to the Supreme Advisory Council as Head of the People's Welfare Section until he was honourably discharged on 23 March 1978.[2]
Honours
Personal life
He married Bua Hadjijah Lena Mokoginta, his schoolmate from Meer Uitgebreid Lager Onderwijs on 12 April 1932. They had one daughter.
Soekanto died at Police Hospital on 25 August 1993. He was buried in the same grave with his wife at the Tanah Kusir public cemetery, Jakarta.[5]