Deep Sorrow and Final Honours for Former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu
Deep mourning has followed the passing of former Defence Minister Retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI). Senior government officials paid their final respects following his death.
Ryamizard Ryacudu died at the age of 76 on Sunday, 31 May, in the afternoon while receiving treatment at RSPAD Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital in Jakarta.
Throughout his career, the late general was recognised as a prominent national military figure who served the country, including as Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (KSAD) from 2002 to 2005 and Defence Minister from 2014 to 2019.
During President Joko Widodo’s first term, Ryamizard was appointed Defence Minister. Upon introducing him, Widodo described him as a democratic and visionary military leader.
Coffin lies in state at Ministry of Defence
Ryamizard Ryacudu’s coffin was laid in state at the Ministry of Defence. President Prabowo Subianto attended the lying-in-state and farewell ceremony.
The ceremony took place on Monday, 1 June. Prabowo paid his final respects to the late general.
Prabowo arrived at the Ministry of Defence at around 8:25 AM WIB. He stood before the coffin to pay his respects, praying as a tribute to the late general’s service to the nation. The coffin was draped in the red and white flag as it was moved from the Ministry of Defence’s Hening Room for the ceremony. Senior government officials, military leaders, and family members were present to pay their final respects.
Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan, serving as the ceremony’s inspector, said: ‘On behalf of the nation, the people, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces, we receive the remains of the late Retired General Dr (HC) Ryamizard Ryacudu. His body will then be transported to the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta for a military burial.’
Burial at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery
Following the lying-in-state ceremony, the coffin was transported from the Ministry of Defence to Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta as part of the final honours before military burial.
The military funeral at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery was led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as the ceremony’s inspector. The military burial served as the nation’s tribute to a soldier and statesman who dedicated his life to Indonesia.
Ryamizard’s coffin was transported via hearse at approximately 11:15 AM WIB. The funeral ceremony began at 11:40 AM WIB.
Defence Minister Sjafrie, leading the Persada Ceremony at Kalibata, stated: ‘As Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia, on behalf of the nation, the people, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces, I present the late general’s soul and body, along with his services, to the Motherland.’
Several officials attended the burial at Kalibata, including TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Army Chief of Staff General Maruli Simanjuntak, Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Muhammad Ali, and Air Force Chief of Staff Air Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono. Others present included Commander of Special Forces Lieutenant General Djon Afriandi, Infantry Center Commander Lieutenant General Iwan Setiawan, Joint Defence Command I Commander Lieutenant General Kunto Arief Wibowo, Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Deputy Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Lieutenant General (Retired) Lodewijk F Paulus, and former Constitutional Court Chairman Jimly Asshiddiqie (2003-2008).