Agum Gumelar Remembers Ryamizard: Stern Yet Compassionate

22nd Indonesian Defence Minister, Retired General TNI Agum Gumelar, visited the resting place of 25th Defence Minister, Retired General TNI Ryamizard Ryacudu, at the Ministry of Defence (Kemhan). Agum remembered Ryamizard as a firm yet compassionate officer. “A firm officer, a high-ranking officer with a decisive attitude. Decisive yet compassionate,” Agum said at the Ministry of Defence in Central Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026. Agum assessed that Ryamizard’s firmness was always accompanied by careful consideration. He described the former Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) as a highly respected senior figure. “Though his face appeared stern, he was compassionate. That means measured firmness. That’s my impression. He was a very respected senior, I can say. That’s what I knew of Mr Ryamizard,” he added. Agum recounted many memories of working with Ryamizard during his TNI career. He said all experiences with the late general left a profound impression. “Many, indeed, all were memorable,” he said briefly. He also revealed he last met Ryamizard several months ago when the late general was unwell. “It has been some time now, a few months ago, when he was unwell,” he said. Agum prayed that the late general would be granted a place of honour with the Almighty. “We pray he is received by the Almighty,” he added. Agum was unable to attend the burial ceremony at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery due to other commitments. He made time to visit the Ministry of Defence to pay his final respects to Ryamizard. “Yes, I had another engagement. So as I couldn’t go to Kalibata, I came here,” he concluded.