Perspectives from Former Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu

The nation mourns the passing of former Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, whose remains were laid to rest at his family home in Cikeas, Bogor, on Sunday, May 31. A steady stream of prominent military figures and former colleagues gathered to pay their last respects, fondly recalling the indelible impact Ryamizard had throughout his life.

Among those sharing their profound memories was General (Ret.) Dudung Abdurachman, the current Chief of Presidential Staff. General Dudung hailed Ryamizard as a truly dedicated soldier and an exemplary figure who profoundly influenced succeeding generations of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). “He was the Army Chief of Staff when I was a Battalion Commander,” Dudung recounted to reporters. “He was the one who guided and led us during the military emergency operations in Aceh.” Dudung further emphasized Ryamizard’s unwavering commitment to fostering professionalism within the TNI, and he was also widely recognized for consistently advocating for the crucial bond between soldiers and the people they served. “He was also the one who pushed for the TNI to ‘return to the barracks.’ He was a true soldier, a pure, thoroughly professional, and fighting soldier,” Dudung asserted.

During his tenure in Aceh, Dudung credited Ryamizard with teaching him the profound importance of a humanistic approach. “He conveyed that the people in Aceh were not our enemies, so the approach had to be humane. Not to kill and so forth. That is what I hold onto.” Ryamizard frequently stressed the importance of loving the people in every assignment, famously advising, “There’s no need for elaborate talk about territorial development; just one sentence: ‘be good to the people’.” Dudung revealed their close personal relationship, often visiting Ryamizard during his illness, stating, “I, too, feel his loss, and during his sickness, I often came to his house because I was very close to him.”

Following this, General (Ret.) Gatot Nurmantyo, former Commander of the TNI, remembered Ryamizard as a visionary leader unafraid to make bold decisions, often realizing what initially seemed “impossible” goals. General Gatot specifically recalled Ryamizard’s instrumental role in the response to the 2004 Aceh tsunami. During that critical period, Ryamizard championed the ambitious construction of a crucial road connecting Banda Aceh to Teunom, implemented through the TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) program. “He insisted it had to be done, and eventually, a middle ground was found with Pak Endriartono Sutarto. Ultimately, within the set timeframe, the road from Banda Aceh to Teunom was completed,” Gatot explained. “So I say he was, what I called, illogical, because my own thoughts couldn’t grasp it. He truly possessed a vision that could be realized.” Gatot also credited Ryamizard with significant contributions to the professionalism of the Indonesian Army, including the establishment of elite units like Taipur, which has an impeccable record of never suffering casualties in operations while consistently achieving success, and the formation of the formidable Raider Battalions. “It was his hands that shaped the Army into the professional, respected force it is today,” Gatot concluded.

Heartfelt condolences were also offered by Air Chief Marshal (Ret.) Hadi Tjahjanto, another former TNI Commander. He described Ryamizard as a revered senior who consistently offered invaluable advice and encouragement to junior officers, including himself. “Tonight, I truly feel the loss of a father, a senior, a figure who genuinely inspired junior soldiers like me,” Hadi expressed. Even as his health declined in recent years, Ryamizard remained actively engaged, participating in various events and maintaining close communication with his juniors. “He always advised us to ‘keep the spirit to guide your younger siblings’,” Hadi shared, highlighting Ryamizard’s enduring mentorship.

Next, Admiral (Ret.) Ade Supandi, former Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Navy, shared his recollections, portraying Ryamizard as a senior who consistently provided guidance and demonstrated remarkable capability in managing the defense sector despite budgetary constraints. Admiral Ade highlighted Ryamizard’s steadfast support for the procurement of the KRI Bima Suci training ship, a modern replacement for the legendary KRI Dewaruci. “From the initial process, the steel cutting in Spain, right through to its launch and commissioning, he consistently provided extraordinary support,” Ade affirmed.

On a more personal note, Oesman Sapta Odang (OSO), Chairman of the Hanura Party, revealed a friendship with Ryamizard that spanned nearly six decades, dating back to their youth in Pontianak, even before Ryamizard joined the military. “I knew him from a young age, before he even became a soldier, in Pontianak. Even then, he wore camouflage, carried a weapon, and was truly brave,” OSO recalled. He described Ryamizard as a loyal companion, noting, “He was a friend who wasn’t easy to befriend, but once you were his friend, he was incredibly loyal and true.”

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian extended his deepest sympathies, recalling a close working relationship with Ryamizard when they served together in the cabinet—Tito as Minister of Home Affairs and Ryamizard as Minister of Defense. “We were together in the cabinet; I was the Minister of Home Affairs, and he was the Minister of Defense. I knew the deceased quite well and respected him greatly as my senior,” Tito stated. Beyond his significant roles in the TNI and government, Tito noted that Ryamizard was also a respected elder statesman in the southern Sumatra region, encompassing South Sumatra and Lampung. “As I am from Palembang, South Sumatra, I often sought his counsel not just on official duties but also on matters concerning our hometown,” Tito added. He concluded by offering prayers for the forgiveness of Ryamizard’s sins and strength for his grieving family.

Ignasius Jonan, former Minister of Transportation, remembered Ryamizard as a jovial and humble individual. They served together in President Jokowi’s cabinet from 2014 to 2019. “What I remember is that he was a humorous and very humble person,” Jonan shared. “He was also very capable of interacting and socializing with colleagues in the cabinet, and extremely helpful if asked for assistance.”

Finally, General Maruli Simanjuntak, the current Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), also expressed his profound sorrow at Ryamizard’s passing. General Maruli stated he had known the former minister since the very beginning of his military career. “Today, we mourn the loss of a national figure. However, he has left us with so much, as from my time as a junior officer, through his roles as Pangkostrad [Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command] and KSAD, he imparted countless lessons,” Maruli reflected. “We hope he is welcomed by Almighty God, and I am confident that we can continue the legacy he left behind.”

Ryamizard Ryacudu drew his last breath at RSPAD Gatot Soebroto in Jakarta on Sunday, May 31, at approximately 2:03 PM WIB. His body will be laid in state at the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (BTI) Hall of the Ministry of Defense on Monday, June 1, at 7:30 AM WIB. Following this, he will be interred with full military honors at the Kalibata National Main Heroes’ Cemetery in Jakarta.