Remembering Ryamizard Ryacudu: Punished for Forgetting Sapta Marga by Climbing Power Poles with Prabowo
We belong to Allah and to Him we return. Former Defence Minister and retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu, who previously served as Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD), passed away on Sunday, 31 May 2026. Ryamizard had previously been receiving treatment at Gatot Subroto Military Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta. The former classmate of President Prabowo Subianto from the 1974 military academy passed away due to illness.
During the handover of duties at the Ministry of Defence on Thursday (24/20/2019), Ryamizard and Prabowo shared stories of their youth, recalling their shared educational experiences.
‘I have known General Ryamizard for decades. We were cadets together in the Tidar Valley, trained side by side. I know him well; his spirit is not far from mine. Very patriotic,’ said Prabowo, sitting beside Ryamizard.
Prabowo joked that Ryamizard held many secrets, and the former commander of the TNI Special Forces requested that Ryamizard, the former Army Chief of Staff, not reveal them.
‘So please don’t reveal too much, hahaha. Thank you, General Ryamizard, and thank you to all at the Ministry of Defence. I will continue the priority steps. I will strive to do my best,’ Prabowo said with a laugh.
Following this, Ryamizard expressed relief at handing over the defence minister role to someone he regarded as family. Ryamizard recalled their shared educational experiences with Prabowo.
‘From the initial diplonco phase to all the ups and downs together. Now we’re together again. Alhamdulillah, I’m confident this task will be carried out to the best of our ability,’ Ryamizard said.
The four-star retired general also recalled being punished together with Prabowo. He revealed that they were often made to climb power poles for failing to recite the Sapta Marga.
‘There are too many memories of him; we were in the same company for two years. Coincidentally, my company with President Prabowo had many Betawi people, mischievous ones,’ he said.
Besides discussing the past, they also talked about the future duties of the defence minister. Prabowo revealed that Ryamizard told him the role was extremely demanding.
‘He must assist the President of Indonesia, particularly in safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security,’ Prabowo said.