Jokowi Remembers Ryamizard: Simple, Decisive, and Courageous
Former President Joko Widodo expressed condolences over the passing of former Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu. According to Jokowi, the late minister was a committed public servant.
Meeting in Solo on Monday, 1 June 2026, Jokowi recalled Ryamizard as a leader who discharged his duties with simplicity and decisiveness in decision-making. He noted the deceased had made significant contributions during his tenure in the defence sector.
“He was a simple, decisive, and courageous individual in carrying out his responsibilities,” Jokowi said. Ryamizard served as Defence Minister during Jokowi’s first term. Throughout his tenure, he played a key role in various strategic national defence policies.
Jokowi also prayed for the late minister to be granted a place of honour with God Almighty, and for his family to find strength and patience in their grief. “May all his good deeds be accepted, and his family be granted patience,” he added.
Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away at the age of 76 on Sunday afternoon, 31 May 2026. The retired Indonesian National Armed Forces general breathed his last at the Army Central Hospital (RSPAD Gatot Subroto) in Jakarta.
His funeral took place on Monday, 1 June 2026, led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, with military honours at Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery in South Jakarta.
The late Ryamizard was a senior military figure with extensive experience in national defence and military affairs. A 1974 graduate of the Military Academy (Akmil), he began his career in infantry units and was involved in various domestic operations, including conflict zones in East Timor and Kalimantan during his early service in the Indonesian Army.
Beyond domestic duties, Ryamizard also undertook international missions, serving as Commander of the Garuda XXI-B contingent in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Cambodia in 1992. He held several strategic positions, including Infantry Brigade Commander, Military Regional Commander, and Strategic Reserve Command Commander from 2000 to 2002.
His military career peaked when he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army in 2002 during President Megawati Soekarnoputri’s administration, serving until 2005 before retiring from military service.
After retirement, Ryamizard remained active in national defence issues. During his presidency, Jokowi appointed him as Defence Minister in the Working Cabinet from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, he was succeeded by Prabowo Subianto in the subsequent administration.