Fadli Zon Reveals Prabowo and Ryamizard's Longstanding Bond Since Cadet Days

Culture Minister Fadli Zon revealed the close relationship between President Prabowo Subianto and the late retired TNI General Ryamizard Ryacudu. Fadli stated that their relationship dates back to their time as military cadets. “I wasn’t there earlier. The late general was already there, but the President also expressed respect for him as they knew each other personally since their cadet days together,” Fadli said while paying respects at Ryamizard’s resting place at the Ministry of Defence in Central Jakarta on Monday, June 1, 2026. Fadli noted that the President’s tribute to Ryamizard demonstrated a personal bond built over decades. “The President’s tribute alongside the Defence Minister before the ceremony highlighted his close relationship with the late General Ryamizard Ryacudu,” he added. Fadli further stated that Indonesia had lost an important figure and said he knew the late general personally. “We have lost a key figure who served as Defence Minister and held various positions in the TNI. General Ryamizard Ryacudu was someone I knew personally,” he said. Fadli recalled Ryamizard as a firm leader who was also straightforward in his speech. “He was firm, straightforward, and always spoke his mind. We have known General Ryamizard for decades, and he was known for his decisive leadership,” he added. “May he be received in the best place with Allah SWT, and may all his good deeds be accepted and his mistakes forgiven by the Almighty,” Fadli added. Retired TNI General Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Throughout his career, he was a prominent national military figure who dedicated himself to the nation, serving as Army Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005 and Defence Minister from 2014 to 2019. Ryamizard Ryacudu’s body arrived at the Ministry of Defence at 7:35 am WIB and was laid in state in front of the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Hall. Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan led the funeral ceremony as the inspector. President Prabowo Subianto later arrived at the Ministry of Defence to pay his respects to the former Defence Minister, retired TNI General Ryamizard Ryacudu.