Sugiono Appointed Head of Indonesian Pencak Silat Federation for 2026-2030, Succeeding Prabowo

Foreign Minister Sugiono has been officially inaugurated as the Chairman of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Federation (PB IPSI) for the 2026-2030 term. Sugiono takes over the baton from President Prabowo Subianto, who has held the position for decades. "This executive board continues the baton that has been held, supported, nurtured, and guided by President Prabowo Subianto for decades," Sugiono stated in a written statement. Sugiono conveyed that Pencak Silat, a martial art born and grown from Indonesian culture, will continue to be preserved and developed. This includes both its achievements and the cultural preservation that has been carried out under Prabowo Subianto's leadership. "I quote a lyric from the song Indonesia Raya, 'Wake up its soul, wake up its body for Indonesia Raya.' In my opinion, it is not an exaggeration if I say that Pencak Silat is a medium to build the soul and body of all Indonesian people for the glory of Indonesia Raya," he said. According to him, this new executive board carries a great responsibility, not only to maintain achievements but also to uphold the great mission of safeguarding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. In the PB IPSI 2026-2030 executive board, Sugiono aims to involve various elements to further promote Pencak Silat, with a particular target of bringing the sport to the Olympics. "Cooperation from all elements, cooperation from all leaders, cooperation from all Pencak Silat communities is very, very, very much needed. Pencak Silat, besides being a sport, is also a means to foster brotherhood and unity; therefore, let us realize that brotherhood and unity within the PB IPSI 2026-2030 structure," said the Secretary General of Gerindra. Sugiono expressed his gratitude to all PB IPSI executives who are ready to work to enhance the reputation and achievements of Pencak Silat. He believes their dedication is continuously needed to make Pencak Silat more known on the world stage. "The assistance and support from all of you are immeasurable, which we can express in our efforts to foster the sport and culture that we both love," he said. "And hopefully, this great responsibility, this great trust, can be carried out and fulfilled well, bringing Pencak Silat to the world, making Indonesia increasingly known and charismatic in the eyes of the world," Sugiono added. The inauguration of PB IPSI was held at the Pencak Silat Training Center in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Jakarta, on Saturday (5/9/2026). The event was attended by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Agus Subianto, Chief of the Indonesian National Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo, Chairman of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) Marciano Norman, provincial IPSI officials, and representatives of various Pencak Silat organizations from across Indonesia.