Enviro News Asia, Washington D.C. — The spirit of Indonesian culture once again echoed in the United States as the Indonesian Ambassador to the U.S., Indroyono Soesilo, expressed his full support for the Strike & Stitches – Pencak Silat & Batik Festival 2025 and the USA Open–International Pencak Silat Championships held on October 11–12, 2025, in Herndon, Virginia.
Initiated by the USA Pencak Silat Federation (UPSF) under the leadership of Mr. Wona Sumantri, the event served as a unique platform uniting two Indonesian cultural masterpieces — Pencak Silat and Batik — symbolizing harmony between strength, beauty, and national identity.
The festival brought together martial artists from Indonesia, the United States, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, fostering cross-cultural friendship through artistic and sports diplomacy.
“This festival unites two treasures of Indonesian culture: Pencak Silat, which embodies discipline and wisdom, and Batik, which reflects creativity and national identity,” said Ambassador Indroyono Soesilo in his opening remarks. “Both are elements of Indonesia’s intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, and today, we celebrate their harmony in a spirit of unity.”
Ambassador Indroyono also highlighted the growing global recognition of Pencak Silat. Following its debut as a demonstration sport at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the traditional Indonesian martial art is now considered one step closer to becoming an official Olympic sport.
“We look forward to the day when Pencak Silat stands proudly among the world’s official Olympic disciplines — a source of pride not only for Indonesia but for the global martial arts community,” he stated.
Silat’s influence has also reached Hollywood, with Indonesian stars such as Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian showcasing its dynamic movements in films like John Wick: Chapter 3, Snake Eyes, Mile 22, The Batman, and Star Wars: The Force Awakens — proving that the martial art has made its mark in global popular culture.
UNESCO inscribed Pencak Silat on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2019, recognizing its spiritual, social, and artistic dimensions that foster harmony among humans, nature, and God.
These same values were also reflected in the festival’s angklung music performances, bringing the rhythm of the archipelago to life. Ambassador Indroyono further announced the upcoming World Angklung Day, to be held in San Francisco on November 15, 2025, as part of Indonesia’s ongoing cultural diplomacy efforts in the U.S.
“You all play an important role in keeping Indonesian traditions alive and inspiring new generations in the United States,” the Ambassador concluded.
The Indonesian Embassy in Washington D.C. reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s public and cultural diplomacy through partnerships, artistic initiatives, educational programs, and the promotion of Indonesian heritage across international communities. (*)
