UNS — The Executive Chairman of Persekutuan Pencak Silat Antarabangsa (International Pencak Silat Alliance – Persilat), Benny G. Sumarsono, highly appreciated UNS brilliant idea when attending the International Pencak Silat Championship Opening Ceremony held by Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta. He appreciated the UNS initiative to hold the Virtual Pencak Silat Championship for single and team fighters on Monday to Wednesday (17 – 19/5/2021).
“I appreciated UNS brilliant idea to enliven the spirit of Pencak Silat amid the Covid-19 pandemic,” Benny stated.
Appreciation was also given by the Rector of UNS, Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, who appreciated athlete’s spirits in participating in the championship. Prof. Jamal is proud of the participating athletes because they do not discourage by the current pandemic.
Pencak silat is increasingly known after the 2018 Asian Games championship held in Indonesia. UNESCO also recognizes Pencak Silat as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Rector of UNS added that Pencak Silat is not only strengthening athlete’s character but also their mentality, raising awareness that power, intellect, and grandeur could be subdued with patience and sincerity.
“There are values attached to Pencak Silat such as chivalry, humble, not adigang adigung adiguna (proud of the strength, proud of power, proud of intellectual capacity), sepi ing pamrih (selfless) and helpful,” Prof. Jamal stated.
Through the Virtual International Pencak Silat Championship for Single and Team, Prof. Jamal is optimistic that excellent athletes will be born and will bring the proud name of Indonesia as the owner of the sport.
Similar hope was also uttered by Benny G. Sumarsono, who hoped the competition could be held annually. “Hopefully, after the pandemic, UNS could hold direct International Championship,” he concluded. Humas UNS
Reporter: Alinda Hardiantoro
Editor: Dwi Hastuti