Ibas Recalls Ryamizard's 'Grass General' Message: All Soldiers Have Equal Opportunity
JAKARTA — Deputy Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and Democratic Party faction leader in the House of Representatives, Edhie Baskoro Yudhoyono, known as Ibas, recalled the late Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu’s remarks on the ‘Grass General’.
Ibas stated that Ryamizard interpreted the term as a general who continuously progresses and has equal opportunities.
‘I also remember Mr Ryamizard on various occasions, although not explicitly stating ’Grass General’ as a general who is constantly developing, that every member of the TNI has equal opportunity to secure good positions, not only within the TNI but also in other fields,’ Ibas said during an interview at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.
He added that former President SBY knew Ryamizard well, who was committed and upheld military spirit.
‘And consistently worked to make our TNI more modern, more prosperous, and professional, while also serving the people,’ he said.
Ibas said he represented his father, former President SBY, in praying for Ryamizard’s family to be granted strength, patience, and resilience.
‘Let us all pray that Mr Ryamizard Ryacudu is granted peace as a resident of paradise, filled with dignity and beauty,’ he said.
Earlier, Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin led the funeral procession for Ryamizard Ryacudu at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.
‘I, as Indonesia’s Defence Minister, on behalf of the nation, the people, and the Indonesian National Armed Forces, hereby present the soul, body, and services of the late Ryamizard Ryacudu to the motherland,’ Sjafrie said while presiding over the Apel Persada ceremony at Kalibata.
The funeral was attended by several dignitaries, including TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.
Other attendees were Special Forces Commander Lieutenant General Djon Afriandi, Infantry Corps Commander Lieutenant General Iwan Setiawan, Joint Defence Command Commander I Lieutenant General Kunto Arief Wibowo, Minister of Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago, Deputy Minister for Political and Security Affairs Lieutenant General (Retired) Lodewijk F Paulus, and former Constitutional Court Chairman from 2003-2008 Jimly Asshiddiqie.
Ryamizard Ryacudu was born in Palembang, South Sumatra, on 12 April 1950.
A 1974 graduate of the Military Academy (Akmil) in the infantry branch, the four-star retired general served as Defence Minister during President Joko Widodo’s first term from 2014 to 2019.
Before becoming Defence Minister, Ryamizard’s last position in the TNI was Army Chief of Staff (KSAD), which he held for three years from 2002 to 2005.