Former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu Remembered by Agum Gumelar and Fadli Zon

Former Transport Minister Agum Gumelar recalled Ryamizard Ryacudu as a stern yet humane officer. He shared this impression after leaving the deceased’s resting place at the Ministry of Defence on Monday, 1 June 2026.

“A firm officer, a high-ranking military official with a decisive attitude. Decisive but humane. Although his face may appear stern, he was compassionate,” Agum told reporters at the Defence Ministry on Monday.

The retired officer, who previously served as Transport Minister, said Ryamizard was a junior who deeply respected his seniors. Within the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), Agum was senior to Ryamizard Ryacudu; Agum graduated from the Magelang Military Academy in 1968, while Ryamizard graduated in 1974.

Agum admitted he had not seen Ryamizard for a long time, estimating their last meeting was last year when the late Ryamizard was unwell. He called for prayers for him: “May he be accepted by the Almighty,” he said.

Meanwhile, Culture Minister Fadli Zon remembered Ryamizard as someone who spoke frankly. Fadli said he had known Ryamizard for years: “He was firm, straightforward. Someone who always spoke his mind,” Fadli said during the same event.

Ryamizard passed away on Sunday afternoon, 31 May 2026. The former Chief of Staff of the Army died at age 76 at Gatot Subroto Army Central Hospital in Jakarta.

As Defence Minister under President Joko Widodo, he was laid to rest at the Ministry of Defence before being buried with military honours at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta.

Several national figures and officials took turns attending the wake. Among them were Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, and former Defence Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro (2009-2014).

Previously, President Prabowo Subianto had also visited, accompanied by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Cabinet Secretary Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya, and State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.