Ryamizard Ryacudu, Former Defense Minister, Dies at 76

JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Former defense minister Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu died on Sunday, May 31, 2026 in Jakarta at the age of 76 after a long career in Indonesia's military and defense establishment, prompting state honors for one of the country's most prominent army figures.

Ryamizard died at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital at 2:03 p.m. local time, the Defense Ministry said.

"We received the sad news that Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away today, Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 2:03 p.m. local time at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital," Defense Ministry Public Relations Bureau chief Brig. Gen. Rico Sirait told reporters.

Ryamizard was widely known as a firm and professional military figure with a strong nationalist outlook.

He was also recognized for his commitment to preserving the unity of the Republic of Indonesia, a theme that shaped much of his public career.

Born in Palembang, South Sumatra, on April 21, 1950, Ryamizard was the son of Maj. Gen. Musannif Ryacudu, an army officer with a long record of national service.

Raised in a military family, Ryamizard developed the discipline and character that later defined his career as a soldier. He graduated from the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy's infantry branch in 1974 and spent much of his early career in field assignments.

Those postings gave him direct experience in several operational areas and helped build his reputation as a combat officer close to his troops. His field experience also gave him a practical understanding of national security challenges and the needs of soldiers on the ground.

Ryamizard later served as commander of the Jakarta Military Command and the Brawijaya Military Command. He was then entrusted with leading the Army Strategic Reserve Command, one of the army's elite formations.

In 2002, Ryamizard was appointed Army chief of staff, one of the highest positions in the Indonesian military.

He held the post until 2005, during a period when Indonesia continued to consolidate civilian rule and reform its security institutions after the political transition of the late 1990s.

After retiring from military service, Ryamizard returned to public office when President Joko Widodo appointed him defense minister in the Working Cabinet.

He served as defense minister from 2014 to 2019.

During his tenure, Ryamizard focused on modernizing Indonesia's main weapons systems, strengthening the national defense industry, and expanding defense cooperation with other countries.

His approach reflected Indonesia's effort to build a more capable defense posture while maintaining strategic ties with regional and global partners.

Ryamizard's body was brought to the Defense Ministry in Jakarta on Monday, Jun 1, 2026, where a lying-in-state ceremony was held before his burial.

President Prabowo Subianto attended the ceremony and paid his final respects to the late general. Prabowo stood briefly before the casket and offered prayers in a solemn tribute to Ryamizard's service to the nation.

Vice President Gibran Rakabuming also visited the Defense Ministry to mourn Ryamizard and convey condolences to the family.

"The vice president's presence was a form of respect for the late general's long dedication and service to the nation, both as a soldier in the Indonesian military and during his mandate as Indonesia's defense minister," the Vice Presidential Secretariat said in a written statement.

The lying-in-state ceremony was led by Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan Taufanto as inspector of the ceremony.

Ryamizard's body was later scheduled to be taken from the Defense Ministry to Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta.

The military funeral was scheduled to be led by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as inspector of the ceremony.

The burial with military honors marked the state's final tribute to a soldier and statesman who had dedicated much of his life to Indonesia's defense.