Bamsoet Opens PERIKHSA Shooting Competition, Stresses Integrity and Legal Compliance

Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), a member of the House of Representatives from the Golkar Party faction, Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly, and Chairman of the Indonesian Self-Defence Firearms Owners Association (PERIKHSA), opened the 5th PERIKHSA Self-Defence Firearms Skills Competition in 2026. He also inaugurated the PERIKHSA provincial boards for Central Java, Banten, and Jambi at the Adisucipto Shooting Range in the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Bamsoet stressed that holding a special permit for self-defence firearms must be accompanied by increased competence, discipline, integrity, and legal compliance. Amid growing public attention to personal security, the ability to use firearms correctly must be built through measured, continuous, and ethically grounded training. “The PERIKHSA Skills Competition does not only test accuracy on target. Behind every shot lies a lesson in discipline, concentration, patience, responsibility, and self-control. A good self-defence firearm permit holder must understand that safety is the top priority, while ethics are the foundation of every firearm use. So, do not act like a tough guy just because you own a firearm. That is absolutely forbidden,” Bamsoet said while opening the PERIKHSA 2026 Skills Competition on Saturday (18/7/26). He explained that the event is part of continuous development for members who have obtained special self-defence firearm permits in accordance with statutory regulations. In many countries, shooting sports organisations and legal gun owner communities routinely conduct shooting proficiency training, emergency handling simulations, and safety standard evaluations. This approach has proven effective in strengthening a safety culture while minimising the risk of firearm misuse. “Shooting sports teach that a steady hand comes from a clear mind, and the right decision comes from the ability to control oneself. These values must be carried into daily life so that every PERIKHSA member can become a role model in holding, carrying, and using firearms responsibly,” Bamsoet said. He noted that technological developments in shooting equipment and the dynamics of security threats demand consistent competency improvement. The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) continuously updates safety standards, techniques, and firearm handling procedures to keep pace with technological advancements. Therefore, Bamsoet assessed that the development of PERIKHSA members must not stop at obtaining a firearm ownership permit but must evolve into a learning process that prioritises professionalism and regulatory compliance. “Shooting ability is not measured by how often someone handles a firearm, but by how disciplined they are in following safety procedures. The higher one’s ability, the greater the moral and legal responsibility attached to them,” he said. He added that the inauguration of the PERIKHSA boards for Central Java, Banten, and Jambi is an important step in expanding organisational development to the regions. The presence of new boards is expected to strengthen coordination with law enforcement, the Indonesian National Armed Forces, the Indonesian Shooting Association, and other relevant institutions in building a culture of safe, orderly, and regulation-compliant firearm ownership. With a stronger organisational network, PERIKHSA can improve the quality of education, certification, regular training, and internal supervision of its members. “PERIKHSA will continue to be an organisation that prioritises professionalism, safety, legal compliance, and human resource quality improvement. A firearm is not a symbol of strength, but a trust that must be safeguarded with integrity, discipline, and a high sense of responsibility for the safety of oneself and the community,” Bamsoet concluded.