Indonesia is mourning the loss of Ryamizard Ryacudu, a revered figure who served as the nation’s Defense Minister from 2014 to 2019. He passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 76, at the Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta.
The somber news was officially confirmed by Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defense Information Bureau at the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Defense. According to Sirait, General (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu breathed his last at 2:03 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB) after receiving intensive care in the hospital’s Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU).
“Indeed, we have received the mournful news that General TNI (Ret.) Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away today, Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:03 PM WIB at RSPAD,” Rico stated in Jakarta on Sunday.
Following his passing, Sirait further informed that the late general’s remains were being prepared for transfer to the mortuary at RSPAD’s funeral home. The specifics of the funeral arrangements are currently awaiting decisions from the grieving family.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ryamizard Ryacudu left an indelible mark on Indonesia’s military and political landscape. A retired high-ranking officer of the Indonesian Army, he notably held the esteemed position of Army Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005. His pivotal role continued into the administration of Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo, who entrusted him with the crucial portfolio of Defense Minister between 2014 and 2019. Following his tenure, he handed over the significant ministerial role to his successor, Prabowo Subianto.
Summary
Former Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu passed away on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 76. He died at 2:03 PM Western Indonesian Time (WIB) at the Gatot Soebroto Army Central Hospital (RSPAD) in Jakarta after receiving intensive care. The somber news was officially confirmed by Rico Ricardo Sirait, Head of the Defense Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defense.
Ryacudu served as Indonesia’s Defense Minister from 2014 to 2019 during President Joko Widodo’s administration. Prior to this pivotal role, he was the Army Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005. He left an indelible mark on Indonesia’s military and political landscape, later handing over the ministerial role to Prabowo Subianto.