Former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu to Receive Military Funeral at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery
Former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu will be laid to rest with a military funeral at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026. This was announced by the Defence Ministry’s Information Bureau Chief, Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait.
He stated that the military funeral is a national tribute to a dedicated soldier and statesman. “The military funeral ceremony will be led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as the parade commander,” he said in a statement on Sunday, 31 May 2026.
The former Army Chief of Staff passed away on Sunday afternoon, 31 May 2026. The retired general died at the age of 76 at Gatot Subroto Army Central Hospital in Jakarta.
The late Ryamizard Ryacudu was taken to a funeral home in Cikeas, Bogor, after his death was confirmed. Rico said the body will be laid in state in front of the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Hall at the Defence Ministry on Monday, followed by a farewell ceremony before burial.
The Defence Ministry expressed its condolences over the passing of Ryamizard Ryacudu, remembering him as a figure committed to building national defence and leaving a legacy of leadership.
“General (Retired) Ryamizard Ryacudu was a leader known for his high dedication, principled stance, and deep love for the homeland,” he said.
Ryamizard Ryacudu contributed to safeguarding national sovereignty and strengthening the national defence system throughout his service. “His ideas, policies, and contributions will always be part of the Defence Ministry’s journey in protecting sovereignty and the unity of the Republic of Indonesia,” Rico stated.
One of the policies initiated by Ryamizard Ryacudu during his tenure as Defence Minister from 2014 to 2019 was Bela Negara. At the time, he stated that every citizen’s obligation to participate in Bela Negara is a constitutional mandate.
“Those who do not comply have no right to live in this country,” Ryamizard said in January 2017.
According to Ryamizard, Bela Negara, with strengthened Pancasila understanding, can mitigate internal and external threats from ideologies such as liberalism, capitalism, socialism, communism, and radicalism. “These ideologies are fine in their own countries but not suitable for ours,” he said.
He also addressed claims that Bela Negara was an attempt at civilian militarisation, denying such allegations.
Ryamizard compared Bela Negara to scouting activities in skill development. He believed citizens who participated in Bela Negara could assist in combating crime and disaster management.
“Bela Negara is not conscription. That’s completely wrong; people have a narrow mindset. I’m surprised by them. Pretending not to understand,” he said.