Former Indonesian Army Chief Ryamizard leaves legacy in military training

Bogor Regency (ANTARA) – General Maruli Simanjuntak, Indonesia’s Army Chief, said former Army Chief and Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu left a significant legacy in soldier development and the Indonesian Army’s organisational growth. Maruli made the remarks after visiting Ryamizard’s funeral home in Puri Wira Bhakti residential area, Cikeas, Gunungputri, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Sunday. According to Maruli, Ryamizard was one of the Army leaders who imparted valuable lessons to subsequent generations of officers, particularly in training and unit development. He stated that policies and programmes initiated by Ryamizard during his tenure as Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) continue to yield benefits to this day. Maruli recalled Ryamizard as someone who placed significant emphasis on enhancing soldiers’ combat capabilities through strengthening training systems and developing support facilities across various regions. ‘There is much we remember from what he did for us. He shaped how Kostrad’s training programmes operated and evolved,’ he said. Additionally, Ryamizard was known for establishing several training areas that serve as crucial facilities for developing the Indonesian Army’s troop capabilities. According to Maruli, the various facilities and development concepts established by Ryamizard form the foundation still used today to enhance soldiers’ professionalism. ‘He established numerous units. He created the Raider units and left many other contributions for the Indonesian Army,’ Maruli said. Ryamizard was a retired senior officer of the Indonesian Army who served as Army Chief from 2002 to 2005. During President Joko Widodo’s seventh term as Indonesia’s president, Ryamizard was appointed Defence Minister from 2014 to 2019. Ryamizard Ryacudu died at the age of 75. As of Sunday night, mourners from family members, military figures, government officials, and the public continued to visit the funeral home to pay their final respects.