In the early years following Indonesia’s independence, Cindy Adams, then a young reporter, conducted an interview with Sukarno, the country’s founding president, who had united the archipelago’s 17,000 islands into the world’s fourth most populous nation. At the time, Sukarno was affectionately known as “Bapak,” meaning “Father” in Indonesian, a title reflective of his central role in forging the new nation from what was formerly the Dutch East Indies.

During their initial meeting, Sukarno, who had an architectural background from Bandung University and was known for always wearing a military uniform, explained that the attire symbolized his role as the nation’s father. Adams recalled their interaction as lighthearted, noting Sukarno’s good command of English and a moment where she joked that he wore the uniform because he looked handsome in it.

Shortly after returning to New York, Adams was contacted by the U.S. State Department and later by Sukarno himself, who expressed a desire for her to write his autobiography. Despite her unfamiliarity with Indonesia initially, Adams undertook an in-depth study of the country’s language, history, and culture and eventually spent several years close to Sukarno, working on the project.

Adams described Sukarno as a charismatic and complex figure who viewed Indonesia as his stage, embodying its diverse culture and challenging Western notions of efficiency and work ethic. She recounted difficulties navigating the country’s bureaucracy, including a prolonged effort to obtain a photograph of Sukarno, illustrating Indonesia’s slower pace of administration at the time.

Their relationship was marked by mutual respect and affection despite occasional disagreements. Sukarno, a Muslim who practiced polygamy with four wives, was depicted by Adams as a man deeply intertwined with the country's identity—its resources, traditions, and political life.

Decades later, Adams remains connected to Sukarno’s family, noting that his legacy endures amid current concerns about Indonesia’s political and social stability. She mentioned her ongoing correspondence and personal ties with Sukarno’s wife Dewi, who resides in Tokyo, their daughter in London, and a grandson in the U.S. Midwest.

Indonesia today continues to face challenges described as "ticking time bombs" due to its demographic size and complex social fabric, a contrast to the optimism that marked its early independence era under Sukarno’s leadership. Adams’ reflections offer a personal and historical window into a nation’s past and the man who helped shape its identity.