Fadli Zon reflects on Ryamizard Ryacudu after decades of acquaintance

JAKARTA - Culture Minister Fadli Zon has shared his impressions of the late Ryamizard Ryacudu, whom he has known for decades.

‘A firm, straightforward individual who always speaks his mind. We have known Ryamizard for decades and he was known for his firm leadership during his tenure,’ Fadli said after Ryamizard’s funeral ceremony at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Central Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

‘Of course, we have lost a prominent figure who once served as Defence Minister and held various other positions in the TNI. I knew him personally, and we mourn his passing,’ he added.

Fadli expressed his hope that the late Ryamizard’s deeds would be accepted by the Almighty. ‘May he be granted a place in the best of places with Allah SWT, and may all his good deeds be accepted and his mistakes forgiven by God Almighty,’ he said.

He was buried at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Ryamizard Ryacudu was born in Palembang, South Sumatra, on 12 April 1950. He graduated from the Military Academy (Akmil) in 1974 with an infantry background.

Throughout his life, Ryamizard dedicated himself to serving the nation through various strategic assignments within the TNI and government, marked by unwavering loyalty, dedication, and a strong spirit of service.

The pinnacle of Ryamizard’s service in the Army was his appointment as Chief of Staff of the Army (KSAD) from 2002 to 2005.

Under his leadership, the Army strengthened professionalism, discipline, and unit readiness to safeguard national sovereignty and the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.

The four-star retiree later served as Defence Minister during President Joko Widodo’s first term from 2014 to 2019.

The Indonesian Army prayed that Ryamizard finds the best place with God Almighty, that his faults and sins are forgiven, and that his family is granted strength, patience, and acceptance in this time of grief.