Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Release of the Body of the Late Major General TNI (Ret.) Eddie Mardjoeki Nalapraya at the Padepokan Pencak Silat of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, East Jakarta, Jakarta Province on Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, also on behalf of the entire Indonesian and international pencak silat community, and on my own behalf, I would like to express my condolences for the passing of Major General TNI (Ret.) Eddie Mardjoeki Nalapraya.

We know him as a fighter, a national fighter who took part in the war of independence of the Republic of Indonesia. He began his career from the bottom as a soldier to the general level.

And for most of his life, apart from his devotion to the country and nation as a member of the Indonesian National Military, he also played a very big role in fostering the Indonesian pencak silat.

I have known him for quite a long time, maybe since the ‘80s. And, he was very diligent, he played a very big role in fostering pencak silat in Indonesia.

Pencak silat is a cultural heritage of our ancestors.

Pencak silat is also very important in maintaining the personality of the Indonesian nation.

Pencak silat is a martial art, martial thing is part of defending the country, part of military training and spirit, and this ability is very important in maintaining the spirit of patriotism of a nation.

In the world history, weak nations that have weak people, weak youth who are weak in spirit, passion, and body, usually become failed nations. And we witness Pak Eddie playing a big role in maintaining pencak silat as the personality of the nation.

He often traveled around the world, around the country. So, if asked who is the General Chairman of IPSI (Indonesian Pencak Silat Association), the answer is Eddie Nalapraya. If I am asked, so who are you, Pak Prabowo? I replace him. So, Eddie is always remembered as the mentor of pencak silat. That is why he was also awarded the Bintang Mahaputera, one of the nation’s highest honors.

Once again, on behalf of the Government, on behalf of the Indonesian and international pencak silat association, on behalf of myself, it is worthy for us to honor a fighter, a leader who led by example, always placed love for the motherland, right up to his last breath. I believe he was a true patriot, we let him go. Once again, we have lost a fighter who led by example.

Goodbye, Pak Eddie.

Do face the Highest Commander, Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala who owns all of the world.

It is only to Him do we pray and only to Him do we seek for help and in the end to Him we will return.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(JAS/EP)