Ibas recalls late Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu's 'grassroots general' message
Former MPR Deputy Speaker Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono (Ibas) recalled the late Defence Minister General (Retired) Ryamizard Ryacudu’s message about the ‘grassroots general’, meaning one who continuously progresses.
Meeting after Ryamizard’s funeral at the National Hero Cemetery in Kalibata, Jakarta, on Monday, Ibas said the late general frequently shared this message on various occasions.
“I recall General Ryamizard mentioning on multiple occasions that a ‘grassroots general’ is one who continuously progresses, stressing that every member of the TNI has equal opportunities to secure good positions, not only within the military but also in other fields,” he said.
Ibas also conveyed condolences on behalf of former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). He noted that SBY knew Ryamizard closely as they served in the same unit during their military service.
“President SBY knew General Ryamizard better, but I believe his contributions have shown the same commitment as our TNI: upholding esprit de corps, continuously modernising the military, improving welfare, maintaining professionalism, and serving the people,” he added.
He expressed hope that the late general’s ideas, commitment, patriotism, and dedication would be carried forward by the next generation.
Retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away at Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta on Sunday, May 31, at 2:03 pm WIB, following treatment in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).
Ryamizard was a retired senior army officer who served as Army Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005. During President Joko Widodo’s administration, he was appointed Defence Minister from 2014 to 2019.
Before burial, the late general’s body was laid to rest in front of the Bhinneka Tunggal Ika Hall at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Jakarta on Monday morning. The funeral ceremony was led by Deputy Defence Minister Donny Ermawan.
President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka paid their respects before the coffin was transported to the National Hero Cemetery in Kalibata, Jakarta.