Acclamation, Sugiono Elected as Chairman of the General Assembly of PB IPSI 2026-2030

Sugiono was elected by acclamation as General Chairman at the XVI IPSI National Congress in 2026 in Jakarta, Saturday, April 11 evening. (Tim. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia)

JAKARTA - Foreign Minister Sugiono was elected by acclamation as the General Chairman of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI) for the period 2026-2030 at the XVI IPSI National Congress in 2026 in Jakarta, Saturday night.

Sugiono in his speech conveyed deep respect to the previous General Chair, Prabowo Subianto, who is now serving as President of the Republic of Indonesia, for his long dedication in nurturing national pencak silat.

"There is a sense of great sadness because he (Prabowo Subianto) said that from 1988 to 2026, approximately 38 years took care of pencak silat. A very long time that if it does not come from the deepest heart, I believe it is impossible to achieve," he said as quoted by Antara.

Sugiono, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the General Assembly of the PB IPSI for the period 2021-2025, will continue the baton of leadership and strengthening the role of pencak silat as a sport as well as the nation's cultural heritage.

He emphasized that the trust he was entrusted with was not a light task, but a great responsibility to continue the achievements and great ideals of the organization.

"We feel so honored. But on the other hand, there is a great hope that is placed on our shoulders to be able to continue all the achievements that he (Prabowo Subianto) has achieved," he said.

In the future, he encouraged pencak silat to become part of the national education system and continue to be fought for to enter the Olympic stage.

"Pencak silat must be the color of human development in Indonesia and our dream to see pencak silat become part of the Olympics must be realized," he said.

Meanwhile, the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, in his speech at the opening of the IPSI PB National Congress, conveyed that the decision not to continue his position as Chairman of the IPSI PB, along with the responsibilities he assumed as Head of State.

"Today I declare that I ask for permission not to continue as the General Chairman of the PB IPSI. Because I have taken on national duties that have taken up my time, so it is impossible for me to be effective as the General Chairman of the PB IPSI," said Prabowo.

Prabowo also expressed his pride at the long journey with pencak silat. He ensured his commitment to continue supporting the development of pencak silat from his position as President.