RRI.CO.ID, Padang - The West Sumatra Provincial Administration has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the national development of Pencak Silat, a traditional martial art that originated in Indonesia and is widely practiced across Southeast Asia, as it aims for the global stage, including the ambitious target of becoming an Olympic sport.

This commitment was delivered by Deputy Governor Vasko Ruseimy following the XVI National Conference (Munas) of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI). "This Munas is a national consolidation momentum to ensure Pencak Silat truly moves up to the world stage," Vasko said on Monday, April 13, 2026, as quoted by Infopublik.id.

The conference marked a significant transition in leadership for the Executive Board of Indonesian Pecak Silat Association (PB IPSI) as the chairmanship for the 2026–2030 period officially passed from Prabowo Subianto to Sugiono. Under this new leadership, the organization is expected to accelerate the strategic efforts required to gain Olympic recognition and significantly strengthen international coaching standards.

To support these national goals, regional action in West Sumatra will focus on following up through the strengthening of early-childhood athlete development and the improvement of coach quality. Furthermore, the province is committed to maintaining a consistent competition calendar to ensure that local talent has the necessary platform to excel and contribute to the global advancement of the sport.

Vasko emphasized that West Sumatra holds a strategic position due to its deep-rooted martial arts culture. He believes the province must move beyond merely "preserving tradition" and focus on producing world-class champions.

To achieve this, the provincial administration is focusing on three main pillars designed to elevate the discipline. First, the province is prioritizing athletic achievement by converting West Sumatra's inherent cultural strength into tangible results, such as medals and international titles.

Parallel to these competitive goals, the administration is committed to cultural preservation, ensuring that the traditional roots of silat remain a core part of the regional identity for future generations. Finally, the state aims to boost the sports economy by leveraging Pencak Silat as a tool for regional development, specifically through innovative sport tourism and creative economy initiatives.

"We are not just talking about medals, but also how Pencak Silat becomes a cultural force and an economic driver," Vasko added.

By fostering synergy between the administration, IPSI, and local martial arts schools (perguruan), West Sumatra is optimistic about its role in making Indonesian Pencak Silat a globally recognized discipline.

The provincial administration is focusing on early-childhood development to ensure a steady pipeline of talent capable of competing at the highest levels. By integrating modern coaching techniques with traditional values, West Sumatra aims to create athletes who are both culturally grounded and internationally competitive.

Additionally, the push for sport tourism highlights the government's intent to turn martial arts festivals into significant economic events. This multi-sectoral approach ensures that the development of Pencak Silat benefits not only the athletes but also the wider community through tourism and cultural promotion. ***