TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Sugiono has been unanimously elected chairperson of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI), the national governing body for the traditional martial art, for the 2026–2030 term, succeeding President Prabowo Subianto, who had led the organization since 2003.
Following his election, Sugiono expressed gratitude to his predecessor.
“There is a great sense of emotion because he said that from 1988 to 2026, approximately 38 years were dedicated to pencak silat,” Sugiono said in a statement on April 12.
According to Sugiono, Prabowo demonstrated a deep and long-standing commitment to the martial art. He said he is determined to continue Prabowo’s mission to strengthen pencak silat as both a sport and a cultural heritage.
Sugiono also expressed his honor in succeeding Prabowo, who did not seek re-election as chairperson of the association.
“There is a great hope placed on our shoulders to continue all the achievements that he has accomplished,” he said, as quoted by Antara.
The former member of the House of Representatives said he aims to promote pencak silat as part of the national education system and to push for its inclusion in the Olympic Games.
“Pencak silat must become part of the development of the Indonesian people, and our aspiration to see pencak silat become part of the Olympics must be realized,” Sugiono said.
Prabowo had earlier decided to step down from the leadership of PB IPSI for the 2026–2030 period, after serving five terms as chairperson.
The head of state announced his decision during his speech at the 16th National Congress of PB IPSI in Senayan, Jakarta, on April 11. Prabowo said he had been involved in pencak silat for 34 years.
“Today, I declare that I seek permission to not continue as the Chairperson of PB IPSI,” he said.
He cited his responsibilities as president as the main reason for not seeking another term. “I have been entrusted with national duties that consume my time, so it is not feasible for me to effectively serve as the Chairperson of PB IPSI,” Prabowo said.
