Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin Honours Ryamizard Ryacudu as a Model Soldier

Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin paid his final respects to the late General TNI (Ret) Ryamizard Ryacudu, who was laid to rest at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June. Sjafrie remembered him as a true soldier who never sought repayment for his service to the nation.

Following the funeral ceremony, Sjafrie stated that Ryamizard, who served as Defence Minister from 2014 to 2019, was a role model for all TNI soldiers. He highlighted Ryamizard’s dedication, having been on the front lines from junior rank until retirement, demonstrating exceptional integrity.

“We have just buried a soldier who never demanded repayment. He was a soldier from junior rank until old age, always on the field. He was a role model for his soldiers and did not approve of any illegal actions,” Sjafrie said at Kalibata on Monday, 1 June.

Sjafrie also shared the late general’s leadership philosophy, which always prioritised his subordinates. In his remembrance, Ryamizard consistently emphasised that success belonged to the soldiers, while failures were the commander’s full responsibility.

Prior to the funeral, Ryamizard’s body was laid in state at the Ministry of Defence office in Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto attended to pay his final respects and offer prayers for the deceased. Alongside the President, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka also visited the laying-in-state before the coffin was taken to Kalibata.

General TNI (Ret) Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away at the Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) Gatot Soebroto in Jakarta on Sunday, 31 May at 2:03 PM WIB after receiving intensive care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).

Throughout his military career, Ryamizard was known as a highly dedicated senior officer. He previously served as Chief of Staff of the Army (KSAD) from 2002 to 2005 before being appointed Defence Minister under the administration of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo.