Indonesia’s prowess in Pencak Silat was on full display as the nation was crowned the overall champion at the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship and the 5th Junior World Pencak Silat Championship, which concluded on December 22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event, the largest of its kind in history, featured 1,100 participants from 57 countries, including athletes, coaches, referees, and officials.
The closing ceremony was marked by a dignified address from Indonesia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sugiono, who also serves as the Deputy of Persilat (International Pencak Silat Federation). Minister Sugiono conveyed a message from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who is also the President of Persilat, urging the event to foster stronger bonds of friendship among nations and inspire the younger generation to embrace the traditions of Pencak Silat.
A Historic Victory for Indonesia
In a demonstration of the nation’s dominance in the sport, Indonesia clinched the overall championship in both the senior and junior categories. The Indonesian team won an impressive 11 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze medals at the 20th World Championship, followed by Vietnam with 10 golds, and Malaysia securing third place with 6 golds. At the 5th Junior Championship, Indonesia again excelled, winning 11 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
Minister Sugiono highlighted the significance of the championship in more than just competitive terms. “This event is not only a celebration of athleticism but a testament to the cultural values embedded in Pencak Silat. It represents the spirit of unity, respect, and perseverance,” he said. “Through these competitions, we see our athletes embodying the very essence of our nation’s heritage.”
Symbolic Handover Marks the End of a Historic Championship
The closing ceremony included the symbolic handover of the championship mandate through the traditional Pencak Silat kris (dagger), passed from Grand Master Coach Heru Prasetya Tantra to the Head of the Organizing Committee, Roy Z. Kamsanee. The kris was then returned to Teddy Suratmadji, the Secretary General of Persilat, signifying the official conclusion of the event.
Awards and Recognition
Special awards were presented to the best athletes in both the senior and junior categories. These included accolades for the Best Male and Female Athletes, along with recognition for the most distinguished referees and judges. The awards were handed out by notable dignitaries, including Husin Bagis, the Indonesian Ambassador to the UAE, and Saeed Ali Alajil, the Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation.
The trophy for the overall champion of the 5th Junior World Championship was awarded by UAE Minister of State, Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, to the Indonesian team, while the overall champions of the 20th Senior World Championship received their trophy directly from Minister Sugiono.
UAE’s Continued Commitment to Pencak Silat
The success of the World Championship was attributed not only to the athletes but also to the collaborative efforts between Indonesia and the UAE. The event received significant support from the UAE government, including the UAE Ministry of Sports, UAE Sports for All Federation, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Minister Sugiono expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s hospitality and support in hosting such a prestigious event.
The Vice President of the UAE Sports for All Federation, Saeed Ali Alajil, expressed optimism about the future of Pencak Silat in the UAE. “The enthusiasm we’ve witnessed during this championship is a testament to the potential for Pencak Silat to grow within the UAE and the wider region,” he said. The UAE team earned 1 gold, 2 silver, and 6 bronze medals, with standout performances including the Best Pre-Junior Athlete Award, which was presented to Hamza Akram Rachman, a UAE resident.
A Shared Commitment to Cultural Heritage
The 20th World Pencak Silat Championship served as a powerful symbol of international solidarity and cultural exchange, bringing together diverse nations united by their appreciation for Pencak Silat’s rich history. Minister Sugiono’s closing remarks reflected this spirit of unity, urging all nations to continue promoting the art of Pencak Silat as a global cultural heritage.
“This event is more than a sports competition,” Sugiono noted. “It’s a celebration of our shared commitment to preserving and advancing the values of peace, discipline, and cultural pride that Pencak Silat represents.”
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Pencak Silat
As the 20th World Pencak Silat Championship concludes, Indonesia’s continued dominance in the sport, paired with the robust international participation, sets the stage for even greater development of Pencak Silat worldwide. With the next generation of athletes emerging from the junior ranks, there is hope that Pencak Silat will not only thrive within Indonesia but also continue to expand its global presence.
For the UAE, this championship marks a significant milestone in the country’s growing involvement with martial arts and international sports events. As both countries move forward, the success of the tournament exemplifies the enduring value of cultural diplomacy and collaboration, showcasing the power of sport in uniting people across borders.