Opening KICC 2025 In Garut, Minister Of Culture Fadli Zon Calls Pencak Silat, Indonesian Cultural Diplomacy

GARUT - Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Fadli Zon, officially opened the 2025 International Silat Camp (KISC) Headquarters at the RAA Adjiwidjaja Self-Defense Building, West Java, Thursday, August 7. He emphasized that pencak silat is not just martial arts, but an effective cultural heritage as an instrument of Indonesian diplomacy.

"Pencak silat has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Intangible Cultural Heritage. It contains the mental, spiritual, artistic, sporting, and philosophy of life of our society," said Fadli.

This year's KICS carries the theme Introducing Indonesian Arts and Culture through Ulin, Ulik, and Usik, deepening knowledge and performances. Participants from Japan, Singapore, and France also experienced the comprehensive experience of Sundanese culture, from silat techniques to performing arts.

Fadli recalled the 2003 moment while studying at the London School of Economics, when he saw silat appear in England. "It's effective cultural diplomacy," he said. He also said that the popularity of silat in the global arena was also driven by international films starring Iko Uwais, Yayan Ruhian, and Cecep Arif Rahman, who also shared experiences on KICC.

This event brought together silat colleges from various regions, such as Ciung Wanara, Silek Harimau, Tiga Berantai, and Maung Bodas. Garut was chosen because of its rich cultural history, once visited by world figures such as Nicholas II Russia, Franz Ferdinand Austria-Hungaria, and Charlie Chaplin.

KICC is a space for cultural preservation, exchange of knowledge, and strengthening of international networks. This activity is a constitutional mandate: advancing national culture in the midst of world civilization," said Fadli.

With the beating of the gong, KISC 2025 officially opened, affirming Indonesia's commitment to making pencak silat a cultural ambassador on the global stage.