Jimly Hopes Next TNI Generation Will Emulate Figures Like Ryamizard

Former Constitutional Court Chief Justice Jimly Asshiddiqie (2003-2008) paid tribute to late Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu as a professional figure. Jimly attended Ryamizard’s funeral to bear witness before God of his good character.

‘I have known the late Ryamizard for a long time, so I wanted to be a witness before Allah that he was a good person, professional in his work, and not up to any nonsense. I even worked with him in the Award and Decoration Council,’ Jimly said at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery in South Jakarta on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Jimly noted Ryamizard was meticulous in decision-making, considering all aspects. He described Ryamizard as a role model within the TNI.

‘Particularly, Ryamizard, despite being a professional military officer, understood all aspects of TNI reform—the aspirations and demands of the reform movement. Thus, I consider him one of the role models in the TNI, as was his father,’ he added.

Jimly also expressed hope that the examples set by Ryamizard and former sixth Vice President Try Sutrisno would serve as tangible models for current TNI personnel.

‘Also, figures who are very clean and professional; we have lost them. Hopefully, figures like Mr Try (Sutrisno) and Mr Ryamizard will be increasingly emulated by the next generation,’ he said.

Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away at age 76 on Sunday, 31 May, while receiving treatment at RSPAD Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital in Jakarta.

He concluded his military career as Chief of Staff of the Army (KSAD) under the administration of Indonesia’s fifth president, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

During President Joko Widodo’s first term, Ryamizard served as Defence Minister. When introducing him, Jokowi described Ryamizard as a military figure with democratic and visionary thinking.