IO – Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto has been re-elected as General Chairman of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI) for 2021-2025 term of service. He was inaugurated by the General Chairman of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) Marciano Norman.
Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali also attended the inauguration ceremony at the Indonesian Pencak Silat Padepokan in Jakarta, Monday (1/31/2022).
MoD Prabowo expressed that he is honored to lead PB IPSI next term. He expects that this Indonesian martial art could be included in the Olympics in the future.
“We understand that it is a great honor to perform the duties and responsibilities as administrators and coaches of Pencak Silat in Indonesia. We must assume the responsibility earnestly,” he explained.
MoD Prabowo stated that he will spare no effort to develop Pencak Silat in Indonesia. “This trust should be upheld and must not be betrayed,” he added.
He also expressed his gratitude to KONI, which has given its attention and support for improving Pencak Silat training.
MoD Prabowo was first elected General Chairman of PB IPSI in 2004. He is considered successful in his efforts to improve the nation’s heritage martial art. Indonesia won 14 gold medals in Pencak Silat at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games. It made the Merah Putih contingent, named after Indonesia’s red and white flag, the top gold medalist with 31 gold medals. Indonesia placed fourth in the 2018 Asian Games overall rankings.
Youth and Sports Minister Amali shared his concerns during the PB IPSI national meeting held recently about MoD Prabowo’s tenure at PB IPSI that would end soon.
“But my concern vanished after MoD Prabowo expressed his willingness to lead PB IPSI until 2025. The Government is prepared to give its support for the development of Pencak Silat’s achievements,” said Amali.
Pencak Silat is one of the leading sports in Indonesia’s National Sports Grand Design (DBON). Amali hopes that it can be added as a competitive sport in the upcoming Olympics.
Bringing Pencak Silat to the road of the Olympics requires cooperation and collaboration. “I’m confident that one day, Pencak Silat will become one of the sports highlighted in the Olympics,” said Amali.
Minister Amali congratulated MoD Prabowo on the inauguration of the new PB IPSI. “The Government commends PB IPSI General Chairman Prabowo Subianto for his dedication to Indonesian Silat,” concluded Amali.
Keep up the great work, and we hope you can advance Pencak Silat and make it a global sport, Mr. Prabowo! (rp)