After the Dutch recognised Indonesia's independence, Rachmat and his surviving siblings – Jusuf, Imam, and Sri Wahjuni – were brought to Jakarta and raised by their father's friend, Adikarso.

[3][4] There Rachmat completed his education, graduating from senior high school before entering the National Theatre Academy of Indonesia.

[2] From his debut until his final role in Titisan Dewi (1990), Rachmat appeared in more than 40 films, including action flicks such as Matjan Kemajoran (1965), comedies such as Benyamin Jatuh Cinta (1976), and dramas such as Bernafas dalam Lumpur (1970).

He directed a total of four films: Tengkorak Hitam, Masih Adakah Cinta (1980), Jangan Sakiti Hatinya (1980) and Mat Pelor (1990).

[6] Rachmat died at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital in Senen, Central Jakarta, on 18 September 2001, after suffering from lymphoma for two years.