Dudung Remembers Ryamizard as a True Soldier: 'I Feel the Loss'

JAKARTA — KSP Chief Dudung Abdurrachman recalled his time with the late Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu. He said he felt the loss deeply, often visiting him in hospital during his illness due to their close relationship. ‘I feel his loss, and during his illness I frequently visited him at the hospital because we were very close,’ Dudung said when interviewed at Ryamizard’s residence in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday, 31 May 2026. ‘He guided and led us during military emergency operations in Aceh, and he also implemented the policy for the TNI to return to barracks,’ he added. Dudung remembered the late minister as a warrior, describing him as a ‘true soldier’ and ‘professional fighter’. ‘A genuine soldier, a true professional. A fighting soldier,’ he stated. Dudung viewed Ryamizard as a soldier who never gave up. ‘I have not been monitoring the situation, but I received information that he will be laid in state at the Ministry of Defence tomorrow,’ Dudung said.