The nation mourns the passing of General (ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu, Indonesia’s former Minister of Defense, who departed on Sunday, May 31. His burial took place with full military honors at the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery on Monday, June 1, following a solemn lying in state at the Ministry of Defense. The farewell for the revered former Army Chief of Staff resonated deeply across various sectors.
Many dignitaries and former high-ranking TNI officers, including Lieutenant General (ret.) Agum Gumelar and Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, paid their respects, sharing poignant memories of the late General. Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo, also conveyed his condolences. A consistent theme emerged from their tributes: Ryamizard was remembered as a figure embodying simplicity, humanism, and formidable resolve.
Agum Gumelar Recalls Ryamizard Ryacudu: Formidable Yet Humanist
Reflecting on his character, Lieutenant General (ret.) Agum Gumelar, who also chairs the Association of Retired and Widows/Widowers of the TNI-Polri, described Ryamizard Ryacudu as an officer of unwavering principles. “He was a high-ranking officer with a firm stance, yes, a firm stance, yet humanist,” Agum Gumelar stated after attending the wake at the Ministry of Defense in Central Jakarta on Monday, June 1. Gumelar elaborated that despite Ryamizard’s imposing demeanor, his humanistic side ensured his assertiveness was always measured. “Even though his face appeared formidable, he was humanist. So, it means his firmness was measured. That’s my impression. He was a very dignified senior.”
Former Defense Minister Ryamizard Passes Away; Jokowi: A Resolute and Simple Minister
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), the 7th President of Indonesia, extended his deepest sympathies on the demise of General TNI (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu. Ryamizard previously held the crucial portfolio of Minister of Defense during the Jokowi-Ma’ruf Amin administration. From his residence on Monday, June 1, President Jokowi remembered him fondly: “He (Ryamizard) was a simple, firm, and brave minister. We extend our condolences on the passing of Bapak General TNI (ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu.” The President also offered prayers for the late General, hoping his good deeds would be accepted and his sins forgiven, while wishing strength and patience for the grieving family. “May his good deeds be accepted by Him and his sins forgiven. And may the family left behind be granted sincerity and patience.”
Home Affairs Minister Tito Expresses Deep Sorrow Over Ryamizard Ryacudu’s Passing
Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian also conveyed profound sorrow at the news of the former Defense Minister’s passing. On Sunday, May 31, Minister Tito visited the deceased’s residence at the Puri Wira Bhakti Complex in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, to personally offer his condolences to Ryamizard’s wife, Nora Tristyana, and their family. “Innalillahi wainna ilaihi rojiun. We are all grieving. I personally, along with my family and the Ministry of Home Affairs, express our deepest sorrow over the passing of the late General TNI Ryamizard Ryacudu… I knew the deceased quite well as a senior and held immense respect for him,” Tito shared. He further noted that Ryamizard was a highly respected figure who maintained strong connections across various segments of society, particularly in the southern Sumatra region. Tito underscored the profound loss his passing represents for his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. “He was one of the elders of southern Sumatra, both South Sumatra and Lampung. I am from Palembang, South Sumatra, so I often met with him, not only concerning official duties but also matters related to our home region in southern Sumatra.”
Defense Minister Sjafrie Remembers Ryamizard Ryacudu as an Exemplary Soldier
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin paid tribute to General TNI (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu, remembering him as an exemplary soldier who dedicated his life to the nation without ever seeking personal gain. Based on his observations, Sjafrie affirmed that Ryamizard’s unwavering dedication and service to the country remained constant throughout his illustrious career. “We have just laid to rest a soldier who demanded no reward. He was a soldier from his youngest rank until his senior years, always in the field,” Sjafrie told reporters after the burial at the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery in South Jakarta on Monday, June 1. Sjafrie highlighted that the late General served as a role model for fellow soldiers, consistently upholding integrity during his tenure. Ryamizard was also known for his strong aversion to any actions that contravened regulations. “He became a role model for his soldiers, and he also disliked all illegal actions. So, this serves as an example for soldiers of the Indonesian Army and all TNI personnel that exemplary conduct must be a guiding principle for all of us.”
Summary
General (ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu, former Indonesian