Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, showcased Indonesia’s cultural heritage by promoting pencak silat during 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. He highlighted the essence of pencak silat, depicting it as more than just martial arts, but as a representation of discipline, resilience, and peace. With UNESCO’s recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, pencak silat instills values of defense, protection, and harmony among its practitioners.
Minister Dito underscored Indonesia’s perspective on pencak silat as a symbol of global resilience and its efforts to introduce it on an international scale, potentially as an Olympic sport. He expressed his belief in the power of sports, like pencak silat, in reflecting security resilience principles that contribute to national development, social unity, and conflict resolution. Indonesia’s collaboration with the UN Office for Combating Terrorism through the Global Sports Programme signifies a commitment to utilizing both traditional and modern sports to empower the youth and enhance resilience.
Furthermore, reflections from the 2024 Paris Olympics guiding the necessity of robust security measures and preparedness for significant sporting occasions were brought forward. Minister Dito emphasized the implementation of innovative security frameworks, intelligence cooperation, and global partnerships as vital components in effectively addressing security challenges. Indonesia’s objectives include reinforcing public-private collaborations, improving sports safety protocols, and nurturing international alliances to combat violent extremism through sports initiatives.
President Prabowo Subianto’s advocacy to have pencak silat included in the Olympics received attention, urging support from all stakeholders. The importance of preserving pencak silat as Indonesia’s heritage and striving for its Olympic recognition were emphasized. These initiatives align with Indonesia’s commitment to fostering peace and unity through sports, showcasing a dedication to promoting sports as a catalyst for peace and resilience globally.