Dudung and OSO Pay Tribute to Ryamizard, a Brave Soldier and People's Champion
Former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has passed away, with prominent figures paying tribute to him as a true soldier deeply devoted to the people.
Presidential Staff Chief Dudung Abdurachman, while paying respects at the mourning house in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday, 31 May 2026, said: ‘He was instrumental in enforcing the TNI’s return to the barracks, ensuring the military focused solely on defence duties. He was a true soldier, a genuine professional warrior and fighter who never knew surrender in developing the organisation, fostering many aspects to ensure soldiers were professional in their field.’ Dudung added he felt Ryamizard’s loss deeply and frequently visited him during his illness.
Recalling Ryamizard’s tenure as Army Chief of Staff when Dudung was a battalion commander in Aceh, he said: ‘During my deployment, he gave me excellent guidance, stressing that the people of Aceh were not our enemies. His approach was humane—never to seek killing. That’s what I held onto.’ He also noted Ryamizard’s genuine concern for the people, remembering his frequent message: ‘We are of the people, by the people, and for the people. In the Army, the key phrase was simply ’be good to the people,’ which he often reiterated.’
Hanura Party Chairman Oesman Sapta Odang (OSO) expressed condolences, recalling Ryamizard as a brave soldier devoted to the people. ‘Even in his youth, before becoming a soldier, he wore camouflage uniform and carried weapons, showing his bravery. I’ve known him for nearly 60 years—’Mijar’, as I called him,’ OSO said. He added he was shocked by the news after returning from Kalimantan, where he usually spends Eid al-Adha in his village.
Former Chief of Naval Staff Ade Supandi described Ryamizard as a capable senior who looked after his juniors, noting his intelligence in resource management. ‘Secondly, in fulfilling national duties, efficiently organising and optimising defence activities despite budget constraints, he was highly skilled in managing defence financing,’ Ade said.