Ibas Recalls Late Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu's 'Grass General' Philosophy

Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas), recalled the profound message from the late former Defence Minister General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu regarding the ‘grass general’ philosophy, which embodies a spirit of continuous growth in service. Meeting after the funeral ceremony at the National Heroes Cemetery (TMP) in Kalibata, Jakarta, on Monday (1/6), Ibas stated that the late general frequently used the term to motivate TNI personnel. “I recall General Ryamizard often saying that a ‘grass general’ is one who is always progressing. That every member of the TNI has equal opportunity to attain good positions, not just within the military but in other fields too,” Ibas said. At the event, Ibas conveyed condolences on behalf of his father, former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), noting SBY’s close relationship with the late general due to their shared service in the same unit during their active military careers. “President SBY knew General Ryamizard well. I believe his efforts demonstrated a strong commitment to upholding esprit de corps and advancing a modern, prosperous, professional TNI that continues to serve the people,” he added. Ibas expressed hope that Ryamizard’s patriotic spirit and dedication to service would be carried forward by the younger generation, and prayed for the family’s strength during this time of grief. General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away at Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta on Sunday (31/5) at 2:03 PM WIB after receiving intensive care in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU). Throughout his career, Ryamizard held prominent military roles, including Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) from 2002 to 2005, and later served as Defence Minister under President Joko Widodo from 2014 to 2019. A solemn military funeral was held on Monday afternoon, led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as the ceremony’s inspector. Prior to this, President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka paid their final respects. The Ministry of Defence will hold a farewell ceremony at 11:00 AM WIB before the coffin is transported to TMP Kalibata. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin bid farewell to General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu’s remains with full honours as they were transported to their final resting place at TMP Kalibata. The funeral ceremony for former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery, Jakarta. Family members paid their final respects to the late Ryamizard Ryacudu at the Ministry of Defence building. President Prabowo Subianto attended the lying-in-state and farewell ceremony for General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu at the Ministry of Defence.