Pencak Silat is a martial art that requires the ability to protect oneself from enemy attacks using agility and dexterity with grapple, hold, and block techniques.
HISTORY
Research shows Pencak Silat to have emerged in the West Sumatera and West Java regions. Pencak Silat is practiced in many regions of Indonesia, especially West Sumatra, Bangka, Banten, West Java, Jakarta’s Special Capital Region, Central Java, Special Region of Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, and West Bali. In addition to its sportive aspect, Pencak Silat also reflects the local culture of the regions where it is practiced with features such as musical instruments, clothing styles, oral traditions, and expressive styles. Pencak Silat is generally practiced during various special days, ceremonies, and celebrations. It is taught in schools through extracurricular activities or local content. Pencak Silat was enrolled by Indonesia onto the Representative List of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019.
