Malanginspirasi.com – The opening ceremony of the Malang Pencak Silat Championship V held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at GOR Ken Arok was marked by a special and memorable occasion. This event was highlighted by the formal appointment of the Mayor of Malang, Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat, MM, as a Pendekar—a distinguished warrior—of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) of Malang City.
This prestigious appointment was officially confirmed based on the Decree of IPSI Malang City Number: 60/097/PK.18XA/VII/2025, dated July 19, 2025, which affirmed Wahyu Hidayat’s status as Pendekar IPSI Malang City.
Mayor Wahyu, affectionately known as Pak Mbois, expressed that the title was not only a source of personal pride but also a significant responsibility.
As a Pendekar IPSI, he feels obligated to actively promote and develop Pencak Silat within Malang City. His connection to the art runs deep, stemming from his early involvement with the Perisai Diri organization, where he was a member and now holds an honorary position.
He has consistently supported Pencak Silat events, including the IPSI Championships and the East Java Provincial Sports Week (Porprov Jatim) IX, held in Malang City.
“This is an honor for me because I have been involved in Pencak Silat since I was a child. So I really appreciate this Pendekar title. I hope that Pencak Silat in Malang City will continue to flourish,” he stated.
Championing Spirit and Sportsmanship
Alongside the appointment, the Mayor expressed his hopes for the Malang Pencak Silat Championship V to serve as a platform from which promising young athletes will emerge.
These athletes, he envisions, will someday bring honor not only to Malang but also to East Java Province and Indonesia on national and international stages.
“Let us use this championship as a momentum to build a brighter future for Pencak Silat,” Pak Mbois urged.
He encouraged the young athletes participating in the championship to compete with passion and sportsmanship, viewing the event as an opportunity to build a brighter future for Pencak Silat.
This year’s Malang Championship V is particularly prestigious, awarding both the Mayor of Malang Cup and the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Cup.
The Mayor stressed that regardless of the outcome, each match should be a valuable experience for enhancing skills and strengthening a champion’s mentality.
Furthermore, Pak Mbosi underscored that Pencak Silat is more than a sport—it is a cultural heritage that imparts noble values such as ethics, discipline, and respect.
“I also urge the coaches and officials to continuously provide guidance, motivation, and exemplary conduct, so that athletes can compete with discipline, integrity, and uphold the noble values of Pencak Silat as a treasured cultural legacy of our nation,” he concluded.
