Jimly Asshiddiqie Recalls Ryamizard Ryacudu as 'No Nonsense' Soldier

Former Constitutional Court chief Jimly Asshiddiqie described former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu as a professional soldier who exercised caution in decision-making. Jimly made the remarks while attending Ryacudu’s funeral at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Jimly shared a close relationship with Ryacudu. ‘I have known the late man for a long time. I want to bear witness before God that he was a good person, professional in his work, and no nonsense,’ Jimly said.

Jimly recounted their bond formed during the 1998 reform era, when Ryacudu served as Army Chief of Staff and Jimly was a member of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Jimly recalled being summoned to ABRI Headquarters during that period to brief on constitutional changes following the 1945 Constitution amendments. He noted Ryacudu was among military figures who understood the TNI’s reform demands.

‘Although the TNI is professional, he understood all aspects of the military reforms that were demanded,’ he said.

Their rapport strengthened further when they jointly proposed the Constitutional Commission post-1945 Constitution amendments. Jimly stated Ryacudu was among senior TNI officials supporting the initiative. ‘Unfortunately, the Constitutional Commission failed, hence the current constitution,’ he added.

Their relationship deepened further when they co-managed the Council of Titles, Honours and Decorations from 2010 to 2015, with Ryacudu as chairman and Jimly as deputy.

During their five-year tenure, Jimly assessed Ryacudu as deeply thoughtful. ‘He was very professional in decision-making, extremely cautious, considering all aspects,’ he said.

Ryacudu passed away on Sunday afternoon, 31 May 2026. The Defence Minister under President Joko Widodo died at 76 at Gatot Subroto Army Central Hospital in Jakarta.

Led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Ryacudu was buried with military honours at Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta. Alongside Jimly, several officials and military figures attended the funeral.

Among them were TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, National Economic Council Chairman Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, and dozens of retired officers.