The Rector of UNS, Prof. Dr. Jamal Wiwoho, opened the event on June 24-26, 2022. He explained that this international competition was held to introduce one of Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage to be known by more countries. Moreover, today, Pencak Silat has been designated as an Indonesian cultural heritage recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). “We should be proud and continue to strive for Pencak Silat to gain the younger generations’ interest because a strong nation is a nation that values its own culture,” said Prof. Jamal.

The championship provided three championship categories: single, double, and team. This year, the International Virtual Pencak Silat Championship was attended by participants from seven countries, with a total of 19 contingents competing in this championship, consisting of 11 contingents from Indonesia and 8 (eight) contingents from abroad. Totalling 95 participants are competing to be the champion.

The championship is still being held virtually, considering that the pandemic in Indonesia is not yet over. Some positive cases are resurfacing. Therefore, the assessment process is carried out virtually. Nevertheless, it does not compromise the jury’s objectivity.

Prof. Jamal hopes this championship can be an event to find superior Pencak Silat athlete talents. Additionally, it is hoped that the younger generation can love Pencak Silat. “Through this competition, we hope to find excellent young talents, who will contribute to the national honors,” he concluded. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Hosted International Virtual Pencak Silat Championship, Participants from Seven Countries appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.

The five golds were presented by Wahyu Nian Tri Firmansyah (men’s single); Zidni Rahma Amaly (women’s single); Adelia Rahma Danty and Hasna Shalekha (women’s team); Ardan Syaifudin, Bayu Triono, Zulfikri Maulana Hafidz (men’s team); and Mutiara Nurul Khotimah, Lintang Rikke Hapsari, Avona Rara Safitri (women’s team).

The Supervisor of UKM Pencak Silat UNS, Dr. Rony Syaifullah, M.Pd., said that this achievement exceeded the set target of three gold medals. “This exceeds our target, with three gold. Other countries had already recognized us, while in some games such as SEA Games and ASIAN Games, many other countries had won gold. So, we are grateful for this achievement,” said Dr. Rony.

The International Virtual Pencak Silat Championship II was attended by participants from seven countries with a total of 19 contingents, consisting of 11 contingents from Indonesia and 8 (eight) contingents from abroad, with a total of 95 participants. Meanwhile, UNS deployed two teams in this championship. The total number of UNS students competing in this championship is 24.

Dr. Rony added that this result would be an evaluation material for students training in UKM Pencak Silat at UNS. Moreover, the championship is a warm-up match for Pencak Silat athletes who will compete at the Provincial Student Sports Week (Pomprov) in September, which will lead to the National Student Sports Week (Pomnas) that will be held in November.

Dr. Rony explained that the UKM Pencak Silat development refers to UNS Key Performance Indicators (IKU) 2, namely national and international achievements. For this reason, his party seeks to involve as many as Pencak Silat athletes in similar martial arts championships, both virtual and on-site competitions. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

The post UNS Brought Home Five Gold at International Pencak Silat Championships appeared first on Universitas Sebelas Maret.