Bamsoet Inaugurates Bali Tarung Derajat Officials, Urges National Unity

The Chairman of the Central Board of the Tarung Derajat Martial Arts Family Association (PB KODRAT), Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), stated that the martial art Tarung Derajat plays a strategic role. According to Bamsoet, Tarung Derajat contributes to maintaining national unity amid rising social challenges, political polarisation, the spread of misinformation, and escalating identity conflicts in the digital space. The situation risks further dividing society into opposing groups. Therefore, Indonesia needs more unifying spaces that bring together people from diverse backgrounds under a shared national spirit. ‘Tarung Derajat teaches discipline, solidarity, loyalty, and mutual respect. These values are precisely what Indonesia needs today to strengthen national unity against challenges that could fracture society,’ Bamsoet said in a statement on Monday, 1 June 2026. He made the remarks during the inauguration of the Bali Provincial Tarung Derajat Family Association (Pengprov KODRAT) Chairman, I Gusti Ngurah Jaka Pratidnya, and the 2025-2029 Bali Provincial KODRAT Executive Committee on Sunday, 31 May. Bamsoet explained that Tarung Derajat is an indigenous Indonesian martial art built on the philosophy of physical resilience, mental strength, courage, perseverance, and self-control. These values are crucial for Indonesia’s challenges as it heads towards Golden Indonesia 2045. Amid increasingly fierce global competition due to artificial intelligence, industrial automation, and shifting geopolitics, Indonesia needs a generation with strong mental resilience and a deep sense of nationalism. ‘If we want Indonesia to become a developed nation by 2045, then character development must go hand in hand with economic growth. Tarung Derajat is a key instrument for shaping a generation that is strong, ethical, mentally resilient, and upholds national unity,’ said the 20th Speaker of the House of Representatives. Bamsoet added that sports should be viewed as a long-term national investment. The nurturing of athletes and development of sports organisations have far broader social impacts than merely pursuing competitive success. Sports can serve as a preventive tool against social issues such as juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, violence, and radicalism. Therefore, support for developing Tarung Derajat and other sports disciplines must be strengthened through collaboration between the government, education sector, youth organisations, and society. ‘A strong nation is built by individuals with strong character. Tarung Derajat provides a platform for youth development, fostering discipline, perseverance, responsibility, and compassion for others,’ Bamsoet explained. ‘All of this is fundamental to safeguarding the unity of the Republic of Indonesia,’ he concluded.