President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, emphatically stated that pencak silat is a profound reflection of the Indonesian national identity.
This significant declaration was made by Prabowo during his attendance at the 16th National Deliberation (Munas XVI) of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI), held at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) in Senayan, Jakarta, on Saturday (April 11).
Earlier in his address, Prabowo lauded IPSI as a crucial pillar in safeguarding and preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage. He expressed immense pride in the unwavering consistency of its members and the various pencak silat schools, who diligently uphold this ancestral legacy.
“My fellow countrymen, IPSI stands as an exceptionally vital cornerstone,” Prabowo declared in his speech, acknowledging the association’s significance. “I am deeply grateful and proud that for so many years, you have continued to support me. Together, we have successfully preserved our cultural pride.”
During the same event, Prabowo underscored the paramount importance of national identity and the pride associated with it. He specifically highlighted the embrace of traditional attire from various Indonesian regions, such as the blangkon, kopiah, sarung, and songket, as key expressions of this pride.
“We take immense pride in wearing the blangkon, the kopiah, the sarung, and the songket,” he elaborated. “This is our culture. Observe how many presidents, including President Jokowi before me, and now myself, consistently don our own traditional garments from diverse regions on national occasions. Perhaps this month or this year, we will rotate through these regional attires; we are immensely proud of our own culture.”
Prabowo further emphasized that a nation must never forget its own cultural roots.
“While we show respect to all nations and peoples,” he explained, “we must never neglect our own identity. A truly great nation, a proud nation, is one that honors its own culture, respects its elders, and venerates its ancestors.”
Subsequently, Prabowo urged IPSI members to take immense pride in their association, reiterating that pencak silat profoundly embodies the Indonesian national character.
“For us in IPSI and all its affiliated schools, our respect is rooted in honoring our ancestors,” he affirmed. “We are never ashamed to show deference to our teachers, elders, or anyone we encounter. This is the profound significance of IPSI. While pencak silat is indeed a sport and a martial art, its essence transcends these classifications; it truly reflects the very personality of the Indonesian nation.”
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto declared that pencak silat profoundly reflects the Indonesian national identity during the 16th National Deliberation of PB IPSI. He praised IPSI as a crucial pillar in preserving the nation’s cultural heritage and expressed pride in its members’ dedication to upholding this ancestral legacy.
Prabowo emphasized the paramount importance of national identity, highlighting traditional attire like blangkon and sarung as expressions of pride. He stressed that a great nation honors its own culture, respects its elders, and never forgets its roots, affirming that pencak silat truly embodies the Indonesian national character.