IPSI meets with the Governor of North Sumatra to discuss the international pencak silat event.

Medan –

An international pencak silat event will be held in Medan. President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to open the event.

“We are from the pencak silat committee. The pencak silat event will take place in North Sumatra from August 4-10, 2025. It will involve 30 countries, 100 schools, 34 provinces, and nearly 4,000 participants from around the world,” said the spokesperson for the 3rd International Indonesian Pencak Silat Organizing Committee on Saturday.

“Nearly 30 countries have confirmed their participation. The event will be held at the Serba Guna venue and will be officially opened by the President,” he added.

The spokesperson stated that the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) has met with North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution regarding the event. According to him, Bobby expressed full support for the event.

“As of today, the schedule remains for the President to open the event. Earlier this week, we had a meeting with the Governor at his office, attended by the Head of Dispora and other officials. The Governor welcomed the event positively,” he said.

Furthermore, the spokesperson explained that the committee continues to prepare for the event. Preparations include venue arrangements and accommodations.

“So far, the committee’s readiness is divided into several qualifications. Participant registration is nearly 90% complete, and accommodation arrangements are at 85%. The appointed event organizers are already working at each venue. We aim to finalize all preparations three days before the event,” he said.

Pencak silat practitioners from 30 countries will participate in the event. Participants come from Asia to the Americas.

“This is truly a gathering of martial artists from around the world. They will come together and showcase their skills in the arena. Many practitioners will attend,” he said.

The public is allowed to watch the martial artists compete. The committee will not charge any fees for spectators.

“The event is free for the public. We, the committee, are not charging any fees, so people can come and watch in person,” he explained.

Additionally, the spokesperson mentioned that the event will also promote tourism in North Sumatra. Foreign participants will be taken to Lake Toba after the event.

“Participants from various countries will visit Lake Toba, which will also help promote tourism there,” he said.

Medan

Medan is the capital city of North Sumatra, Indonesia, and a vibrant cultural and economic hub. Founded in the 16th century, it grew significantly during the Dutch colonial era as a center for tobacco and rubber plantations. Today, Medan is known for its diverse heritage, including Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, and landmarks like the Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque of Medan.

North Sumatra

North Sumatra, located in Indonesia, is a diverse region known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. It is home to Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake, formed by a massive eruption around 74,000 years ago. The area also features the Batak people, an indigenous group with unique traditions, vibrant music, and distinctive architecture.

Serba Guna venue

The “Serba Guna venue” (often translated as “Multipurpose Hall” in English) is a versatile event space commonly found in Indonesian communities, schools, or government buildings. Historically, such venues were designed to host a variety of functions, including cultural performances, meetings, weddings, and public gatherings, reflecting Indonesia’s communal traditions. Their flexible design accommodates diverse activities, making them central to local social and cultural life.

Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI)

The Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) is the official organization responsible for preserving and promoting *Pencak Silat*, Indonesia’s traditional martial art, recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019. Established in 1948, IPSI oversees training, competitions, and cultural exchanges to maintain the art’s techniques, philosophy, and heritage. It plays a key role in standardizing *Pencak Silat* nationally and internationally while fostering national pride and identity.

Lake Toba

Lake Toba, located in North Sumatra, Indonesia, is the largest volcanic lake in the world, formed by a massive supervolcanic eruption around 74,000 years ago. The lake is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning scenery, the Samosir Island at its center, and the rich cultural heritage of the Batak people who inhabit the region. Today, it serves as both a natural wonder and a significant cultural site, offering insights into Indonesia’s geological and ethnic history.

Dispora

The term **Diaspora** refers to the dispersion of a population from its original homeland, often due to forced migration, conflict, or historical events. A well-known example is the **Jewish Diaspora**, which began with the exile of Jews from ancient Israel and their spread across the world. Diasporas play a key role in preserving cultural identity while adapting to new societies.