SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Dito Ariotedjo introduced pencak silat in a global sports initiative event at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States.

"Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, Pencak Silat teaches its practitioners not only to defend, but also to protect. Not only to fight, but also to maintain peace," said Menpora Dito, quoted from the official website of the Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports, Friday.

The event was themed "Securing the Legacy: Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events Marking". In the event, the Menpora also explained Indonesia's view of pencak silat as a global symbol of resilience.

That is why Indonesia is trying to include this sport in the Olympics. According to the Menpora, pencak silat can also help a nation's security.

"Sports can be used to rehabilitate communities in post-conflict situations. No less importantly, sports can also reflect the readiness and resilience of a nation's security," said the Menpora.

"We must continue to grow sports as a beacon of peace and resilience. Indonesia is committed to fostering meaningful collaboration in this area. We believe that through joint efforts, the legacy of sports will remain a legacy of peace, unity and security for all," he concluded.