Agum Gumelar: Late Ryamizard Was Stern Yet Compassionate

Retired General Agum Gumelar, Indonesia’s 22nd Defence Minister, attended the wake of former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu (2014-2019) at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Central Jakarta on Monday morning (June 1). He described the late Ryamizard as a stern yet compassionate officer.

‘A strict officer, a high-ranking military official with firmness. Firm but compassionate. Although his face appears stern, he was humane,’ Gumelar told reporters at the ministry on Monday.

‘He was a highly respected senior figure, that’s what I know of Mr Ryamizard,’ he added. Gumelar also urged prayers for Ryamizard to be accepted by the Almighty.

Gumelar stated he had not met Ryamizard for some time, with their last encounter several months ago when the late minister was unwell. He will not attend Ryamizard’s burial at Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery.

President Prabowo Subianto also visited the wake. According to CNN Indonesia, Prabowo arrived at the ministry at 8.28 am WIB, stepping out of a Maung MV3 Garuda vehicle in a black suit, accompanied by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya.

Prior to this, former Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto had already arrived. Ryamizard’s remains, transported by a TNI headquarters hearse, arrived at the ministry at 7.35 am WIB, with family members accompanying the coffin.

A military funeral ceremony will be held at 11.00 am WIB at Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery following the respect ceremony at the ministry, according to Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Defense Information at the Ministry of Defense.