RRI.CO.ID, Tanah Datar - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, held a cultural dialogue with the Ikatan Guru Silek Sakato in Tanah Datar, Friday, March 13, 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the preservation of the traditional Minangkabau martial art known as silek. The event served as a platform for cultural practitioners to discuss the future sustainability of the tradition.

The dialogue also featured performances by senior silek masters and instructors, highlighting the depth of the Minangkabau martial arts heritage. The gathering reflected the continued commitment of local communities to preserve and pass down this cultural tradition.

In Minangkabau culture, silek is not merely a form of martial art, but also an important part of the traditional value system. It plays a role in shaping character, ethics, and the philosophical outlook of the community.

Fadli Zon, expressed enthusiasm for witnessing the performance of silek tuo, one of the oldest forms of the martial tradition. He noted that pencak silat has gained international recognition after being inscribed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2019. According to him, the martial art has spread widely across Indonesia and even reached audiences abroad.

The minister also encouraged stronger institutional structures within traditional silek communities. Establishing formal organizations, he said, would help communities gain better access to government programs and cultural initiatives.

Meanwhile, community leader, Sutan Muhammad Yusuf Tuanku Mudo Rajo Disambah, highlighted the strong enthusiasm among both young and older generations to preserve the martial art tradition. He said around 20 practitioners are preparing to participate in an international martial arts festival in Malacca.

The Indonesian government hopes collaboration between authorities and cultural communities will strengthen the preservation of silek traditions. Officials say such initiatives are important to ensure that Indonesia’s cultural heritage continues to thrive among future generations.