Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, recently took advantage of the global sports initiative event at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to promote pencak silat as a cultural heritage of Indonesia. He highlighted the significance of pencak silat beyond just martial arts, emphasizing its core values of discipline, resilience, and peace. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, pencak silat not only teaches self-defense but also promotes harmony and peace among its practitioners.
Minister Dito expressed Indonesia’s commitment to showcasing pencak silat as a symbol of global resilience and aiming for its international recognition, potentially even as part of the Olympics. He emphasized the role of sports, like pencak silat, in building national identity, fostering social unity, and resolving conflicts. Indonesia’s support for the UN Office for Combating Terrorism’s Global Sports Programme indicates a dedication to using traditional and modern sports to empower youth and enhance resilience.
The event also shed light on lessons learned from the 2024 Paris Olympics, stressing the importance of robust security measures and preparedness for major sporting events. Minister Dito highlighted the necessity of innovative security strategies, intelligence cooperation, and global partnerships to effectively address security challenges. Indonesia’s efforts include strengthening public-private collaborations, enhancing sports safety standards, and promoting international cooperation to combat violent extremism through sports.
President Prabowo Subianto’s vision of introducing pencak silat to the Olympics received a mention, with a call for widespread support. The President emphasized the importance of preserving pencak silat as Indonesia’s cultural heritage and advocating for its inclusion in the Olympic Games. These initiatives align with Indonesia’s commitment to promoting peace and unity through sports, reflecting a shared goal of establishing a secure and inclusive global sporting environment.
