Farewell Ryamizard: Stern General, Humble and Compassionate

JAKARTA – A procession of disciplined soldiers accompanied by marching band music and gun salvo marked the start of the funeral ceremony for former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery (TMP) in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

The military funeral was led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Ryamizard, who passed away at 76, was remembered by many figures as a stern yet compassionate individual.

He served as Defence Minister during the first term of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo.

Agus stated that throughout his life, Ryamizard was a firm, measured, and authoritative leader within the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), right up until his tenure as Defence Minister.

He estimated their last meeting occurred several months ago when Ryamizard was already unwell.

“It’s been quite a while, how many months ago when he was sick,” he said.

Two former Chiefs of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General (Ret) Gatot Nurmantyo and Air Marshal (Ret) Hadi Tjahjanto, paid tribute to Ryamizard.

Gatot described him as a leader who dared to make major decisions and had a vision that surpassed most people’s perspectives.

He recalled Ryamizard’s role during the emergency response after the Aceh tsunami, when he ordered the Army to reopen roads cut off by the disaster. Despite initial challenges, the order was successfully executed within the set timeframe. Gatot noted this achievement demonstrated Ryamizard’s ability to translate vision into tangible action.

Meanwhile, Hadi remembered Ryamizard as a leader who consistently provided guidance, advice, and motivation to younger soldiers. He also mentioned their close professional and personal relationship, particularly when Hadi served as Defence Ministry Inspector General under Ryamizard’s leadership as Defence Minister.