Defence Minister Sjafrie Remembers Ryamizard: Soldier Who Never Demanded Recognition for Service

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin presided over the military funeral of former Defence Minister retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu at Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery in South Jakarta. Sjafrie remembered Ryamizard as a soldier who never demanded recognition for his service. ‘We have just laid to rest a soldier who never demanded recognition for his service; he remained in the field from junior rank until retirement,’ Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said at Kalibata National Heroes’ Cemetery, South Jakarta, on Monday, 1 June 2026. Sjafrie described Ryamizard as a role model for all Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) personnel. He stated that Ryamizard was highly dedicated to the nation. ‘He was a role model for his troops and opposed all illegal actions. This serves as an example for TNI Army personnel and all TNI members that leadership by example must be our standard,’ Sjafrie said. ‘I have been with him since youth until his retirement, and never witnessed a change in his dedication and service to the nation,’ he added. Sjafrie stated the nation must honour Ryamizard. He also recalled their close relationship, particularly regarding the understanding of responsibility between leaders and soldiers in success or failure. ‘His special memory was that when a mission succeeds, it is the soldiers’ success, not the commander’s. But if it fails, the commander takes responsibility, whereas when it succeeds, the soldiers share the credit for enabling success,’ he said. It is known that Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away at age 76 on Sunday, 31 May 2026 afternoon. He died while receiving treatment at Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta. Ryamizard concluded his military career as Chief of Staff of the Army (KSAD) during the administration of Indonesia’s 5th President, Megawati Soekarnoputri. During the administration of 7th President Joko Widodo, Ryamizard was appointed Defence Minister in the first cabinet term. Upon introducing him, Jokowi described Ryamizard as a military figure with democratic and visionary thinking.