Introductory Remarks of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Closing Ceremony of “Pencak Silat for the World”, the 17th World Championship and Festival at Lila Bhuana Sports Complex, Denpasar, Bali on 8 December 2016

Unofficial English Translation 

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Om swastiastu,

Good afternoon, may peace be upon us all.

Honorable Chairman of the World Federation of Pencak Silat Prabowo Subianto,

Honorable Chairmen of Pencak Silat Federation and the Participants of International Pencak Silat Championship,

Honorable Chairman of Association of Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI),

Honorable Working Cabinet Ministers, Governor of Bali, Mayor of Denpasar,

Honorable referees, athletes, officials of this year’s International Pencak Silat Championship in Bali,

I read an article in media that Pak Prabowo in the opening of this event said that International Pencak Silat Championship is a way to build good ties among the countries. It is truly beautiful and it makes Indonesia proud to see that 40 participant countries gathered here based on mutual interest on pencak silat, the martial art that Indonesian people is proud of. We indeed have different languages, nationalities, but here we communicate through pencak silat. It is an Indonesian traditional martial art which strengthen character, mentality, and uphold a belief that all power, intelligence, and superiority will lose to patience, and sincerity.

I recall an Indonesian movie titled “The Raid” whose actors are experts in pencak silat. Now, they are famous among international movie enthusiasts. I think they deserve it, and pencak silat should be internationally recognised. Previously, Pak Prabowo mentioned that pencak silat can be played in the Asian Games competition. Pencak silat will also be played in the exhibition of 2020 Olympics. However, we hope that pencak silat can be played in the 2024 Olympics competition.

Pencak silat should spread through the world not only as a martial arts, but for its values including bigheartedness, carefulness, rely on one’s power, authority, and knowledge, and helpfulness. Therefore, the Indonesian Government will support the effort of all parties to talk to other countries in order to promote pencak silat to be played in the Olympics competition.

Distinguished guests,

Lastly, I would like to congratulate the athletes who won the competition in each category. I would also like to congratulate General Chairman of IPSI who was elected through a national congress (munas). Let us synergise to promote pencak silat and Indonesia to the world.

Eventually, by saying alhamdulillahirrabbilalamin, I declare the International Pencak Silat Championship and IPSI Munas closed.

Thank you,

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Om shanti shanti om. (Humas Setkab)(RAS/AW/YM)