Two Former TNI Commanders Remember Ryamizard Ryacudu: Visionary and Role Model for Soldiers

Two former TNI commanders recall the late General Ryamizard Ryacudu, who passed away on Sunday, 31 May 2026. The former Defence Minister died at RSPAD Gatot Subroto in Jakarta. The two former TNI commanders remembering Ryamizard were General (Retired) Gatot Nurmantyo and Air Chief Marshal (Retired) Hadi Tjahjanto. One of the most remembered aspects was Ryamizard’s role during the emergency response following the Aceh tsunami. According to Gatot, Ryamizard instructed the Army to reopen the land route severed by the tsunami. The route stretched from Banda Aceh to Teunom and was deemed nearly impossible to restore due to severe damage. ‘He decided that the Army should build a road from Banda Aceh, Lamno, Calang, to Teunom. From Banda Aceh to Teunom, it was impossible. Impossible because from Banda Aceh to Lamno was possible, but Lamno to Calang was cut off everywhere. Especially Calang to Teunom, Meulaboh area, it was impossible, couldn’t be done. But he insisted it had to be done,’ Gatot said while visiting Ryamizard’s residence in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday, 31 May 2026. Gatot said this success proved Ryamizard’s vision could be translated into tangible action. ‘So I say his thinking was beyond my comprehension, you know. He had a vision that could be proven, that’s what happened. It’s visible in history,’ he recalled. Hadi expressed deep loss over Ryamizard’s passing, viewing him not just as a senior military figure but as a father figure. ‘Tonight, I truly feel the loss of a father, a senior, a figure who was truly an inspiration to junior soldiers like me,’ Hadi said in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java, on Sunday, 31 May 2026. Hadi remembered Ryamizard as a leader who always provided guidance, advice, and motivation to younger soldiers. According to Hadi, Ryamizard was known for his warmth and consistent communication with all his subordinates, earning him respect and closeness across all ranks. ‘Even when we held positions in TNI, he always gave the best advice to maintain consistency and continue inspiring his subordinates. That was his message to me,’ he added.