Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id — Retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu, Indonesia’s Defense Minister from 2014 to 2019, was buried with full military honors at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery on Monday (1/6/2026).
The solemn ceremony was led by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as the inspecting officer, with President Prabowo Subianto personally attending to pay his final respects. Ryamizard passed away the previous day at the age of 76 at RSPAD Gatot Soebroto Hospital in Jakarta.
Before the burial, his body lay in state at the Ministry of Defense headquarters. The ceremony was described as a deeply respectful tribute from the state to a soldier and statesman who dedicated decades of his life to the nation.
A Distinguished Military Career
Born on April 21, 1950, Ryamizard graduated from the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy (Akabri) in 1974. He rose steadily through the ranks of the Army, earning a reputation as one of its most capable officers.
His major command positions included Commander of the V/Brawijaya Regional Military Command (1999), Commander of the Jaya/Jayakarta Regional Military Command (1999–2000), and Commander of the Army Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) from 2000 to 2002. He reached the pinnacle of his military career as Chief of Staff of the Army (KSAD) from 2002 to 2005 during the presidency of Megawati Soekarnoputri.
Defense Minister Under Jokowi
Even after retiring from active duty, Ryamizard continued to serve the country. In 2014, President Joko Widodo appointed him as Minister of Defense, a position he held until 2019. Jokowi described him at the time as a democratic-minded military figure with deep defense experience.
As Defense Minister, Ryamizard was best known for strongly promoting the Bela Negara (Defend the Nation) program, which aimed to strengthen public awareness and participation in national defense.
Read Also:
Two Malang Pilgrims Pass Away During 2026 Hajj in Mecca
From a Military Family
Ryamizard came from a prominent military family. His father, Musanif Ryacudu, was a senior Army officer close to Indonesia’s founding president, Sukarno. He was also the son-in-law of former ABRI Commander and Vice President Try Sutrisno.
Throughout his career, he received numerous awards, including the highest veteran honor from the Indonesian Veterans Legion in 2019 and an Honorary Doctorate in Total War from the Republic of Indonesia Defense University in 2021.
Remembered as a Soldier’s Soldier
In his eulogy, Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin remembered Ryamizard as a leader who never sought personal rewards.
“He was a commander who always attributed success to his soldiers and took full responsibility for any failures. This attitude earned him deep respect from his troops and peers. He led by example, strongly opposed illegal actions, and should serve as a role model for all of us,” Sjafrie said.
Ryamizard Ryacudu’s death was first confirmed by Brigadier General Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of Defense Information at the Ministry of Defense. (aan/mzm)
