Agum Gumelar recalls Ryamizard as firm yet humane figure

Retired General Agum Gumelar, former Kopassus commander, recalled the late General Ryamizard Ryacudu as a firm yet humane figure. ‘A firm officer, a senior officer with a firm stance, yes. Firm but humane. Though his face looked stern, he was humane,’ Agum said when interviewed after paying respects at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Central Jakarta on Monday. Beyond his firmness, Agum also described Ryamizard as a nurturing figure to junior officers during his military service. When asked about memorable joint missions, Agum said there were many but declined to elaborate. ‘Many, all memorable,’ he added. ‘We pray for his soul to be received by the Almighty.’ Ryamizard was a retired senior Army officer who served as Army Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005 and Defence Minister under President Joko Widodo from 2014 to 2019. He died at age 75, with mourners including family, military figures, government officials, and the public gathering at the Ministry of Defence premises to pay their final respects by Sunday night (31 May).