Army Chief and Former TNI Commanders Remember Ryamizard as Inspirational Figure
Army Chief of Staff General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak paid his respects at the family home of former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu in Cikeas, Bogor. Maruli recalled the valuable legacies left by Ryamizard during his military service.
“Today we mourn the loss of a national figure. However, he has left us with much; since my time as a junior officer, he served as Commander of Kostrad and Army Chief, imparting numerous lessons,” Maruli told reporters at the family home on Sunday (31 May 2026).
Maruli also spoke of the many lessons Ryamizard imparted to the TNI during his lifetime, praying that the late general’s legacy would be beneficial.
“I am confident that what he left behind can be continued. There are many lessons for us, especially his enthusiasm when discussing training and unit development; we remember well what he did for us,” he explained.
Former TNI Commander Gatot Nurmantyo and Hadi Tjahjanto also paid their respects at the family home, sharing memories of the late general.
“I knew him; I’d say, sorry, he was a bit unconventional on the field. He wasn’t afraid of anything,” Gatot said.
Gatot recalled Ryamizard’s crucial role in handling the Aceh tsunami tragedy, stating that the late general connected roads from Banda Aceh to Teunom.
“He was the one who decided, through TMMD, to build roads from Banda Aceh to Lamno, Calang, and Teunom. It seemed impossible as the route from Banda Aceh to Lamno was passable, but Lamno to Calang was cut off. Moreover, Calang to Teunom in Meulaboh was completely impassable,” he said.
“But he insisted it be done, and a middle path was taken with set deadlines and emergency response plans, connecting Banda Aceh all the way to Teunom. I thought it was irrational because my mind couldn’t grasp it, but his vision was proven correct,” he added.
Hadi Tjahjanto said the late general was a fine figure in the TNI, often advising young soldiers during his service.
“Even when we held positions in the TNI, he consistently gave the best advice to maintain consistency and keep the spirits of his subordinates high; that was his message to me,” Hadi said.
“That’s why I feel a profound loss tonight of a father figure, a senior and an inspirational leader for soldiers like me; may he have husnul khatimah,” he added.
Former Transport Minister Ignasius Jonan recalled Ryamizard as a humorous figure, having served in the same cabinet.
“We were in the same cabinet from 2014 to 2019. I remember him as humorous and very humble,” Jonan said.
Jonan added that the late general was friendly and approachable, always willing to help colleagues.
“He was very humble, eager to help, and cheerful—just going with the flow and very friendly,” he said.