Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono Says Pencak Silat Has The Power To Unite And Bridge Friendship

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono opened the 2024 Pencak Silat World Championship in Abu Dhabi. (Source: Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono said the main strength of pencak silat is the ability to unite, become a bridge of friendship between nations.

This was said by Foreign Minister Sugiono when he opened and delivered a speech at the 20th Pencak Silat World Championship and the 5th Junior Pencak Silat World Championship in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wednesday.

"Pencak Silat is not just a martial arts sport, but also a manifestation of values such as integrity, discipline, respect, and solidarity," said Foreign Minister Sugiono who is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI), as reported by the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thursday 19 December.

Present representing the President of the Republic of Indonesia who is also the General Chair of PB IPSI Prabowo Subianto, Foreign Minister Sugiono said, in the midst of an unstable world situation like today, with conflicts everywhere and uncertainties, the Pencak Silat World Championship can be a supporter for the community and society of the world.

"The main force of pencak silat is his ability to unite all of us and as a 'bridge' for friendship between nations," said Foreign Minister Sugiono.

On this occasion, the Indonesian Foreign Minister also expressed his appreciation to the United Arab Emirates for hosting this sport from Indonesia.

To all the athletes who compete, Foreign Minister Sugiono encouraged them to compete honorably and sportingly.

It is known that the 20th Pencak Silat World Championship and 5th Pencak Silat Junior World Championship this year will be held in Abu Dhabi, the National Exhibition Center (ADNEC) at the United Arab Emirates on 18-22 December 2024. A total of 1,100 athletes, coaches, referees and officials from more than 57 countries participated, making him one of the world's biggest martial arts competitions.

The Indonesian contingents deployed in this world championship consisted of 179 people, including 39 officials as well as senior national team athletes, 39 officials and Junior national team athletes and 110 members of the Attraction Team.

110 pesilat team attractions successfully took place during the opening of the championship by presenting various Pencak Silat streams and the beauty of Indonesia's typical martial arts movement.

Pencak Silat itself is included in the United Nations of Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 2019.