This study attempts to unravel the thinking and policies of this largely misunderstood man. Who is B.J. Habibie? What has shaped his outlook towards life? What drives him? Why has he been so successful? What has been the course of his career? How did he succeed in reaching the highest political office in Indonesia? What were his achievements? What did his critics and opponents say? What is the legacy of B.J. Habibie for Indonesia? What is his place in history? These queries are answered in this study.