Thebantenpost.com. Pandeglang, October 18, 2025 — Universitas Mathla’ul Anwar (UNMA) Banten once again demonstrated its commitment to cultural preservation and youth development through the prestigious UNMA Banten Championship 2025, competing for the Governor of Banten Cup.
The grand event was held at the UNMA Banten campus in Pandeglang Regency and was attended by dozens of pencak silat schools (paguron) and high school students from various regions of Banten. The championship served as a meaningful moment that blended culture, sportsmanship, and education.
Officially Opened by the Provincial Government of Banten
The tournament was officially opened by the Assistant to the Regional Secretary (Asda II) of Banten Province, E. Deni Hermawan, M.Si, who represented the Governor of Banten. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of such activities in building the character of young generations.
“We hope this event runs smoothly and successfully. Pencak silat carries noble values of chivalry that must be passed down to the younger generation,” said E. Deni Hermawan.
He also expressed his hope that this championship would serve as a platform to nurture talented athletes from Banten who can compete at national and international levels.
“From this event, we hope to see the emergence of new, outstanding athletes who can bring honor to Banten on national and global stages,” he added.
Full Support from UNMA Banten
The event was attended by Drs. H. Moh. Babay Sujawandi, Secretary General of the Mathla’ul Anwar Central Board (PB MA); Prof. Dr. Andriansyah, M.Si, Rector of UNMA Banten; Vice Rectors I, II, and III; the University Management Board (BPU); the Chairman of the Banten Pencak Silat Association (IPSI); and leaders of various pencak silat schools in Pandeglang, such as Tapak Suci (Amenda), Maung Pande (Dr. Furqon), SMI (Rosad), PSHT (Sumarli), and Putra Kusuma (Iwan).
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Andriansyah, M.Si, the Rector of UNMA Banten, shared that the championship held personal meaning for him. He expressed hope that it would become an annual agenda at UNMA.
“Events like this remind me of my childhood. I began learning silat in elementary and junior high school. Hopefully, we can make this an annual tradition,” said Prof. Andriansyah.
Furthermore, he delivered an exciting announcement for high school participants who excelled in the championship.
“UNMA Banten will provide a full scholarship for high school students who win in this pencak silat tournament,” he declared, receiving enthusiastic applause from the participants and guests.
PB Mathla’ul Anwar Appreciates UNMA’s Initiative
Meanwhile, Drs. H. Moh. Babay Sujawandi, Secretary General of PB Mathla’ul Anwar, expressed high appreciation for UNMA Banten’s initiative, which not only promotes cultural heritage but also provides educational incentives for the youth.
“UNMA Banten has shown that education and culture can go hand in hand. Offering scholarships to pencak silat champions is a concrete form of appreciation that other educational institutions should emulate,” he stated.
A Stage for Achievement and Cultural Solidarity
The Chairman of IPSI Banten also viewed the event as a positive step in developing regional athletes. Beyond fostering friendship among silat schools, the event proved that pencak silat continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Banten’s people.
“Through events like this, we maintain the spirit of sportsmanship while strengthening our local cultural identity,” he remarked.
With the theme “Pencak Silat: A Cultural Heritage, A Pillar of National Achievement”, UNMA Banten hopes this event not only produces outstanding athletes but also instills honesty, discipline, and patriotism in the younger generation.
About UNMA Banten
Universitas Mathla’ul Anwar (UNMA) Banten is a higher education institution under the auspices of the major organization Mathla’ul Anwar. The university is committed to becoming a center for the development of knowledge, culture, and character while contributing to the creation of competitive human resources at both national and global levels.
