Pencak Silat Expands in Hong Kong on Road to the Olympics

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – The Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (PB IPSI) is exploring the establishment of a pencak silat federation in Hong Kong as part of efforts to expand the martial art's international reach.

PB IPSI deputy chairman Muchamad Nabil Haroen said the federation would help ensure that pencak silat in Hong Kong develops not only among Indonesians living abroad but also among local residents.

"We do not want only Indonesians practicing pencak silat overseas. We want more local people to learn it, become coaches and athletes, and take part in developing pencak silat organizations," Nabil said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Nabil discussed the plan during a meeting with Indonesian Consul General in Hong Kong Andi Ardiansyah at the Indonesian Consulate General office in Hong Kong on Friday.

According to Nabil, who also serves as chairman of Pagar Nusa, a local federation is needed to build a sustainable pencak silat ecosystem, encompassing organizations, coaches, and athlete development.

The initiative is part of PB IPSI's broader strategy to expand pencak silat internationally under its "Pencak Silat Road to Olympics" vision.

PB IPSI believes the development of pencak silat abroad should move beyond community-based activities toward a more structured organizational model that actively involves local communities.

Indonesian Consul General in Hong Kong Andi Ardiansyah said the consulate was ready to facilitate efforts to establish a pencak silat federation in the territory. "The Indonesian Consulate General in Hong Kong is fully committed to facilitating and supporting PB IPSI's efforts to establish a Hong Kong pencak silat federation," Andi said.

During the meeting, Andi also praised Pagar Nusa's role in mentoring Indonesian migrant workers while introducing Indonesian culture to the people of Hong Kong.

According to him, Pagar Nusa's activities not only provide a positive platform for Indonesian migrant workers but also contribute to Indonesia's cultural diplomacy.

One example is Pagar Nusa's participation in the Hong Kong Flower Show for three consecutive years, which has helped introduce Indonesian culture to local residents.

PB IPSI hopes that establishing a federation in Hong Kong will expand its organizational network and strengthen pencak silat's international foundation as part of its long-term goal of securing Olympic inclusion. ***