Prabowo Maaf Gagal Bawa Pencak Silat ke Olimpiade, Dukungan

On Saturday, 11 April 2026, President Prabowo Subianto stood before the Musyawarah Nasional Pengurus Besar Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI) XVI at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). The meeting was titled Pencak Silat Mendunia Menuju Olimpiade. He opened with a statement of apology for not having succeeded in bringing pencak silat to the Olympic Games.

Earlier in his career, Prabowo had announced that he would not seek re‑election as Chairman of the PB IPSI for the 2016‑2030 term, citing his national duties. In his speech he reiterated that he would continue to support the sport regardless of his official position.

He said, "Saya siap terus mendukung dengan atau tidak ada jabatan. Banyak tugas PB IPSI ke depan, saya minta maaf belum bisa membawa pencak silat ke Olimpiade," ucapnya.

The inclusion of pencak silat in the Olympic program is a long‑term goal, with the next target set for the 2032 Games in Brisbane. Diplomats have been working to clear the path, and the responsibility now falls to the new chairman who must carry the sport onto the world’s biggest multi‑sport stage.

He added, "Saya yakin pengganti saya akan berhasil membawa pencak silat ke Olimpiade. Saya tidak tahu apakah sudah ada bayangan yang akan saudara pilih. Saya sarankan dicari calon yang terbaik," ujarnya.

Gratitude was expressed to those who had supported the sport. He said, "Terima kasih selama ini kalian mendukung saya. Kita telah mengharumkan nama bangsa di kancah internasional. Kita cukup membanggakan di beberapa tempat. Kira menyumbang emas, perak dan perunggu. Kira mendukung kehormatan bangsa di mata dunia," kata Prabowo.

He reminded everyone that the journey is still far. He said, "Perjalanan masih jauh, kita berharap pencak silat akan masuk Olimpiade. Kita yakin tapi kita tidak perlu terlalu obsesi juga. Obsesi kita yaitu menjaga mutu dan kemurnian dari pencak silat itu sendiri."

Emphasizing the importance of pure knowledge, he noted, "Kalau ilmunya murni, kuat, saudara-saudara darimana-darimana akan datang belajar, dan terbukti dari banyak negara belajar kepada kita dan mereka hebat-hebat," kata Prabowo.

He also warned about the risk of becoming a teacher, saying, "Ini risiko guru. Vietnam, Thailand, pernah belajar dari kita dan mereka pernah mengalahkan kita. Itu lah risiko jadi guru," tegas Prabowo.

The president’s remarks underscored both regret for the current gap and confidence that future leadership will achieve the Olympic dream. The push for pencak silat’s inclusion continues, driven by diplomatic effort and the dedication of the sport’s community.