Thebantenpost.com. Pandeglang, October 18, 2025 – Mathla’ul Anwar University (UNMA) Banten held the prestigious UNMA Banten Pencak Silat Championship 2025, competing for the Governor of Banten Cup. The event was met with great enthusiasm from hundreds of participants and attended by numerous prominent figures from both provincial and local levels.
The opening ceremony took place solemnly and energetically at the UNMA Banten Multipurpose Hall, Pandeglang. Attending on behalf of the Governor of Banten was Assistant Regional Secretary II of Banten Province, E. Deni Hermawan, M.Si, accompanied by Secretary General of the Mathla’ul Anwar Central Board, Drs. H. Moh. Babay Sujawandi, and Rector of UNMA Banten, Prof. Dr. Andriansyah, M.Si, along with vice rectors I, II, and III. Also present were members of the UNMA Banten University Management Board (BPU), the Chairman of IPSI Banten, and representatives from various martial arts schools (paguron) across Pandeglang Regency, including Tapak Suci (Amenda), Maung Pande (Dr. Furqon), SMI (Rosad), PSHT (Sumarli), and Putra Kusuma (Iwan).
The Head of the Organizing Committee, Agus Jubaedi, expressed his gratitude and pride for the enthusiastic participation from across the province.
“Alhamdulillah, this year we have 579 participants from 57 schools across Banten Province taking part in this competition. Hopefully, this event can become an annual tradition,” said Agus.
In his remarks, UNMA Banten Rector, Prof. Dr. Andriansyah, M.Si, emphasized that pencak silat is not merely a sport, but also a medium to preserve cultural heritage and shape the character of young generations.
“This event reminds me of my childhood; I began learning silat during elementary and junior high school. Hopefully, we can hold this event every year,” he stated.
As a form of appreciation for the youth’s enthusiasm, Prof. Andriansyah also announced a full scholarship for high school students who win in this championship.
“UNMA Banten will provide a full scholarship for high school students who become champions in this pencak silat event,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, a representative from the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) Banten underscored the importance of preserving pencak silat as part of Indonesia’s cultural identity.
“Pencak silat is our cultural heritage, serving to sharpen both mental and spiritual strength. Hopefully, this event can further develop the potential of young people who love pencak silat—especially in Pandeglang, and generally throughout Banten Province,” he said.
This championship marks an important moment in reviving the spirit of traditional sports among students, while strengthening ties among martial arts schools and educational institutions in Banten. With full support from UNMA Banten and the Banten Provincial Government, the event is expected to nurture young, accomplished, and virtuous silat athletes for the future.