Silatnas Faction of Indonesian Kickboxing Opposes PP KBI, Extraordinary Congress as Last Resort

The polemic within Indonesian Kickboxing (KBI) is intensifying. Following the Central Board (PP KBI), led by Ngatino, declaring the National Silaturahmi Forum (Silatnas) decision illegal, the Silatnas faction has responded forcefully. The Silatnas forum, attended by 22 Provincial Boards (Pengprov), insists that their activities are legitimate and compliant with organisational rules. In contrast, they accuse the current PP KBI leadership of frequently deviating from the organisation’s bylaws (AD/ART) and manipulating public opinion.

Ismail Maswatu, Secretary of the Silatnas Activities for Pengprov KBI, described the PP KBI General Chairman’s statement as overly alarmist. “Silatnas is not explicitly outlined in the AD/ART, but neither is it prohibited. This is a silaturahmi forum that emerged from the genuine concerns of the majority of Pengprov, who feel aggrieved and seek change,” Ismail said during an online press conference on Saturday (14 February).

Ismail emphasised that support for Silatnas has surpassed two-thirds of the total Pengprov across Indonesia. He countered the allegations of AD/ART violations levelled at Silatnas, pointing to the opaque process for screening prospective General Chairman candidates and forming the National Deliberation (Munas) committee by PP KBI. In his view, this agenda was only announced during the National Working Meeting (Rakernas) in December 2025, which he deemed flawed.

“It’s not about the number of provinces in attendance, but rather that the Rakernas did not proceed according to the AD/ART mechanisms,” he asserted. He noted the absence of key organisational elements, such as the Board of Patrons and the Board of Honour, and the lack of binding official minutes, which raises questions about the forum’s legitimacy. “It’s unheard of for a Rakernas to lack financial reports, organisational evaluations, or discussions on performance development. If I may put it bluntly, it was utter chaos—perhaps even worse,” Ismail added.

Ismail further accused the PP KBI General Chairman of lacking neutrality in chairing the forum, alleging efforts to steer support towards a single candidate for General Chairman, namely Maman Abdurrahman. “They weren’t even introduced as a candidate; support was directly solicited. That holds no legitimacy. If it’s just a chorus of agreement, that’s a cheer squad, not an organisational forum,” he said.

In agreement, Albertus Fenanlampir, Chairman of Pengprov KBI Maluku and Silatnas spokesperson, stated that the forum arose organically from the ground up. “I was initially neutral. Silatnas came about because the Pengprov chairmen felt they had no avenue to voice their organisational concerns,” he said.