The Pencak Silat arts defense system is also well-known in various other Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Singapore, the Philippines, and Thailand.
In Indonesia, the term "Pencak" is widely used in Java, while "Silat" is used in Sumatra, the Malay Peninsula, and Kalimantan.
However, in its development later, the term "Pencak" put forward the elements of art and beauty of movements, while "Silat" was the core of the teachings of martial arts in a fight.
With the 18th Asian Games 2018 held in Indonesia, the host country succeeded in including Pencak Silat to be competed in at the biggest Asian sporting event while at the same time showcasing its superiority in this newly contested sports category.
Of the 16 events and classes contested in Pencak Silat, Indonesia succeeded in winning 14 gold medals. Pencak Silat debuts at the Asian Games 2018 being held from Aug 18 to Sept 2, with 16 gold medals from 10 defense and six motion-art events at stake.
Until the conclusion of the competition in Pencak Silat on Wednesday, Aug 29, Indonesia had clinched eight gold in the defense categories and six gold in the artistic events.
The 14 gold medals and one bronze taken home by Indonesia exceeded the earlier target of the host country to win four gold medals in these events: two in combat and two in artistic events.
Seeing the success of the Indonesian Pencak Silat athletes in the 18th Asian Games, President of the Asian Pencak Silat Federation Sheik Alauddin Yacoob Marican claimed cheating by the judges at the 2018 Asian Games.
Executive Board Chairman of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) and also the pencak silat manager Edhy Prabowo denied claims of any cheating that enabled Indonesia to win eight gold medals from 10 numbers competed in the Asian Games finals on Monday (Aug 27).
Moreover, the Malaysian contingent had filed a protest.
"Many people doubt that Pencak Silat will be competed again in the next sporting (Asian Games) event. I say no, there is no doubt. There is a digital record, we speak about quality. We get that gold because of quality," Prabowo emphasized.
According to Prabowo, the assumption of cheating in the Pencak Silat competition should not be taken seriously. He is also optimistic that Pencak Silat will be competed in at the Olympics.
"I do not think that because Indonesia has dominated Pencak Silat, it will be removed. We are competing with a fair play. Martial arts at the Asian Games is just a stepping stone to be able to competed in at the Olympics," he stated.
He said that General Chairman of IPSI Prabowo Subianto had constantly reminded that Indonesian Pencak Silat athletes should always lay emphasis on quality while fighting in the arena to win medals.
Indonesia`s Chef de Mission at the 2018 Asian Games Commissioner General Police Syafruddin believes that Pencak Silat will be competed in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
"There are hopes and clear indications. Talks on the matter are ongoing between the Asian Olympic Council (OCA) and the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI). We will wait for a few more days to know the results," Syafruddin noted at a press conference at the Jakarta Convention Center, Senayan, Wednesday night (Aug 29).
Syafruddin remarked that sports climbing is another branch that Indonesia continues to fight for it to be competed at during the 2022 Asian Games.
"Competition in Pencak Silat is well covered by the electronic media in the form of recording matches. I took part in a four-day martial arts competition, and all had been recorded. If there were participants, who protested, we only need to replay the video," Syafruddin, who is the state administrative and bureaucratic reform minister, stated.
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) congratulated Prabowo Subianto on the success of Indonesian pencak silat athletes in winning a total of 14 gold medals at the 18th Asian Games.
"Congratulations to my good and best friend Mr Subianto, the chairman of IPSI and also who leads Pencak Silat, on the success in the Asian Games," Jokowi stated, after watching the pencak silat final matches at the Pencak Silat Hall located in the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park, East Jakarta, on Wednesday.
Retired general Subianto expressed pride that Pencak Silat was able to contribute gold medals to the nation.
"On behalf of the Indonesian nation, I want to convey my gratitude to everyone, who supports and prays for Indonesia`s athletes, particularly pencak silat athletes," Subianto pointed out.
Until Wednesday (Aug 29), Indonesia had collected 30 gold, 22 silver, and 36 bronze medals. Indonesia is currently ranked fourth after China (102 gold-67 silver-50 bronze), Japan (51-47-63), and South Korea (37-42-50).
The host country`s achievement has exceeded its previous target to grab 16 gold medals and to secure a place among the top 10.
Reporter: Andi Abdussalam
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
