“Pencak silat is a sport and martial art, but more than that, it reflects the character of the Indonesian nation. It is our ancestral knowledge that we uphold firmly,” Prabowo said.
He emphasized that pencak silat is part of the national culture and a martial art that embodies chivalry and character building. He also underlined the importance of preserving and respecting national culture, including ancestral values passed down through pencak silat.
Beyond sport and martial art, Prabowo said pencak silat contains values of courtesy, humility, and courage to defend truth, justice, and the weak.
He expressed appreciation for PB IPSI and pencak silat schools in preserving the martial art as a form of national pride.
"IPSI is a very important pillar. I am proud. For many years you have supported me, and together we have maintained our cultural pride,” he said.
Prabowo also stated he would not return as the IPSI chairman but supported the incoming leadership to continue organizational programs, including efforts to bring pencak silat into the Olympic Games.
“I apologize that I have not yet succeeded in bringing pencak silat to the Olympics. We will keep trying, and I believe my successor will succeed,” he said.
He officially opened the conference by striking a gong and also presented plaques to several figures for their contributions to pencak silat, including Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir, Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto, National Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and Pertamina President Director Simon Aloysius Mantiri.
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Translator: Fathur, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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