Prabowo Steps Down as IPSI Chairman, Apologises to Executive Board

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - President Prabowo Subianto suddenly expressed an apology during the XVI National Congress of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI). This moment occurred as he spoke about his position in the organisation that he has led for decades. In a friendly atmosphere, Prabowo opened his speech with a long reflection on his career journey in the world of pencak silat. He emphasised that his involvement is not new, but has been ongoing for a very long time. “I can say that I have served in pencak silat for 34 years,” said Prabowo when opening the congress on Saturday (11/4/2026). He then revealed that he has served as Deputy General Chairman for four terms and General Chairman for five terms in the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association. However, in the midst of the speech, Prabowo conveyed an important decision regarding the future of his leadership in IPSI. “I request permission not to continue as General Chairman of PB IPSI because I am already shouldering national duties that take up my time,” he stated. This decision is inseparable from his busyness as President of the Republic of Indonesia, which is considered to make it difficult for him to carry out his organisational role optimally. He also acknowledged that in recent years, his involvement has indeed not been as intense as before, thus expressing an apology. “I apologise, because for almost three years I have not been very active in the forefront,” said Prabowo. Nevertheless, he affirmed that he continues to provide support from behind to the executives and members of IPSI. On the same occasion, Prabowo also recalled the figure of his predecessor, whom he considers an important figure in the organisation. “Actually, the General Chairman of IPSI is Mr Eddie Nalapraya, I am just his replacement,” he said. At the end of his statement, he fully handed over the decision on future leadership to the organisational forum. “I don’t know who my replacement will be that you will decide,” said Prabowo.