Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, seized the opportunity at the global sports initiative event ‘Securing the Legacy: Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events Marking’ at the United Nations Headquarters in New York to shine a spotlight on pencak silat as a cultural gem of Indonesia. Beyond its martial arts origins, the essence of pencak silat embodies noble values like discipline, resilience, and peace. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, pencak silat not only equips practitioners with self-defense skills but also promotes harmony and tranquility.
Minister Dito showcased Indonesia’s commitment to elevating pencak silat as a symbol of global strength and unity, aiming for its recognition on an international stage such as the Olympics. He firmly believes that sports, exemplified by pencak silat, can serve as pillars of security resilience and play a pivotal role in nation-building, fostering social unity, and resolving conflicts. Indonesia’s alliance with the UN Office for Combating Terrorism’s Global Sports Programme underscores its pledge to leverage traditional and contemporary sports to empower youth and boost resilience.
Drawing lessons from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Minister Dito underscored the paramount importance of robust security infrastructure and preparedness for hosting major sporting events. He emphasized the necessity of innovative security frameworks, intelligence-sharing networks, and global collaborations to effectively address security threats. Indonesia’s strategic goal is to bolster public-private partnerships, elevate sports safety protocols, and nurture international alliances to combat violent extremism through sports.
President Prabowo Subianto’s vision to introduce pencak silat at the Olympics resonated throughout Minister Dito’s address, calling for solidarity from all stakeholders. He stressed the significance of preserving pencak silat as a vital part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage and striving for its representation in the Olympic Games. These efforts align with Indonesia’s unwavering dedication to fostering peace and unity through sports collaboration. Indonesia’s steadfast commitment to promoting sports as symbols of peace and resilience mirrors a collective aspiration for a secure and inclusive global sports landscape.
