Born in Indonesia, he was originally involved in the country's film industry as a ticket scalper. His life took a dramatic turn during the anti-communist purge in the 1960s, when he became a leader in death squads responsible for numerous killings. His story gained international attention through the 2012 documentary "The Act of Killing," which explored his past actions and their psychological impact. The film highlighted his complex character, sparking discussions on history and morality.