The Indonesian martial arts dubbed Pencak Silat saw eight Kenyan students take part on Friday, at the International School of Kenya.
The students who showcased the Pencak Silat movements amazed the crowd with beautiful martial arts movements.
Counselor Andi Syamsurijal Usman of the Indonesian Embassy, who led the Indonesian Pencak Silat team said the activity has been introduced so far to other schools.
“We even have the Pencak Silat in campuses, and other community groups and institutions in Nairobi, Kiambu County, and Mombasa County since June 2021,” Usman said.
The activity involves around 600 trainees and 20 coaches.
Usman added that through practicing Pencak Silat, the trainees not only can learn Indonesian martial arts and self-defense but will also be connected to Indonesian values.
“Pencak Silat could role as a bridge to strengthen Indonesia-Kenya bilateral relations at the community level because it enhances people-to-people contact,” he added.
The activity is among key aspects undertaken by the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi, under the leadership of Ambassador Mohamad Hery Saripudin, to promote cultural activities.
The moves were combined with strong self-defense techniques aimed at strengthening the body.
Established in June 2021, the Kenya Pencak Silat Federation has gained the Certificate as an Associated Member of the International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT), whose headquarters is in Jakarta.
Kenya Pencak Silat Federation was inaugurated with this certificate by PERSILAT on March 28, 2022.
