IPSI says long-term national training camp will strengthen pencak silat ecosystem

The Executive Board of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI) has stated that long-term national training camps (pelatnas) supported by government funding will strengthen the pencak silat ecosystem in the country. Chairman General Sugiono said in an official statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports on Thursday that support for multi-year training camps is a strategic step that provides certainty for development programmes while reinforcing the national sports ecosystem from the regional to the national level. The government’s budget support for the long-term training camp was confirmed by Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir following a meeting and directive from President Prabowo Subianto in Hambalang last week. Sugiono said the policy demonstrates the state’s seriousness in building a more structured, consistent, and sustainable athlete development system to make Indonesia’s sporting achievements more competitive on the world stage. He added that continuity in coaching is the main foundation for producing high-achieving athletes. Sugiono further expressed optimism that strong synergy between the government, PB IPSI, masters, coaches, athletes, academics, the diaspora, and pencak silat communities both at home and abroad will help globalise the sport and secure wider recognition internationally. Pencak silat is not only a competitive sport but also a cultural heritage that has developed and attracted international attention. Sugiono expressed hope that the spirit continuously fostered by President Prabowo in advancing national sports will further strengthen efforts to internationalise pencak silat.