Silat Is Not Just A Game: Menbud Fadli Zon Inaugurates BMC 2025 And Affirms Cultural Heritage

The 2025 Bhayu Manunggal Championship Pencak Silat Championship (BMC 2025) is officially open. (Doc. Ist)

JAKARTA The 2025 Bhayu Manunggal Championship Pencak Pencalat Championship (BMC 2025) was officially opened by the Minister of Culture Fadli Zon at the Pencak Silat TMII Padepokan, Jakarta, Saturday, June 20. In his remarks, Fadli emphasized that pencak silat is not just a sport, but an Indonesian cultural identity that has been recognized by the world.

Pencak silat is an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO. It is not just martial arts, but reflects the value of courage, sportsmanship, humility, to unity," said Fadli in front of the athletes as quoted in a statement received on Sunday, June 21.

BMC 2025 was held by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Pioneer Pencak Silat Indonesia (POPSI) Bhayu Manunggal. The championship lasted for three days, June 20 02, 2025, and was attended by 1,500 athletes from 137 contingents from 13 provinces in Indonesia.

This event is open to all age groups, from early to adult age, with the categories of matches, single arts, doubles, teams, creative solos, and the arts of pencak silat traditions.

"Bhayu Manunggal means a united force. This is in line with the spirit of our nation's unity and diversity," continued Fadli.

The Chief Executive of BMC 2025, Klenthenang Hawani Bambang, said that this championship is not just a competition, but a stage to celebrate the masterpiece of Indonesia's cultural heritage.

"Determination by UNESCO in 2019 is the world's recognition of noble philosophy and values in every move of pencak silat," said Hawani.

He also expressed his appreciation to all those who supported the organization of this championship. "Thanks to the Ministry of Culture and all the partners who made BMC a meaningful event," he added.

At the end of his remarks, Minister of Culture Fadli Zon emphasized his commitment to maintaining and developing pencak silat as the identity of the nation that is global.

'Winning is not the only goal. What is more important is learning, growing, and strengthening brotherhood. Let's keep pencak silat as our cultural property," said Fadli before hitting the gong as a symbol of the official opening of the 2025 BMC.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Deputy Chairperson of PB IPSI HM Shiddiq, Director of Mitra Keluarga Cibubur Sri Widyaningsih, and officials from the Ministry of Culture, including Secretary General Bambang Wibawarta, Director General of Cultural Protection and Culture of Restu Gunawan, Special Staff to Minister Asrian Mirza, Director of Cultural Value Empowerment Yayuk Sri Budi Rahayu, and Head of the Abu Chanifah Cultural Media Center.