Eastern Indonesia Displays Strong Potential in Wushu

Martial Arts PON Cited as Catalyst

Secretary General of the Indonesian Wushu Association (PBWI), Ngatino, expressed appreciation for the rising participation and enthusiasm among martial arts athletes from across Indonesia, particularly at the 2025 Kudus Martial Arts PON.

“While the distribution of athletes remains concentrated in East Java, DKI Jakarta, and Central Java, other regions are beginning to show promising growth,” he said at the Djarum Arena 3AB, GOR Kaliputu, Kudus, Central Java, on Friday (October 24).

According to Ngatino, regions in Eastern Indonesia, such as North Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, and Papua, possess significant potential to excel in martial arts.

“The potential in the eastern regions is extraordinary. It is now a matter of enhancing training and increasing competition opportunities to refine their skills, especially in the sanda and taolu categories,” he stated.

He also noted the enthusiasm of participants at the 2025 Kudus Martial Arts PON as a positive indicator for the national development of wushu.

“This event, a collaboration between the Djarum Foundation and KONI, serves as a significant catalyst. Many top regions are competing in the sanda and taolu segments, reflecting an outstanding level of motivation,” Ngatino remarked.

Furthermore, Ngatino emphasized that Indonesia already occupies a strong position at both the Asian and Southeast Asian levels. “We consistently secure gold medals at the Asian Games and frequently emerge as the overall champion in Southeast Asia. Currently, China leads, followed by Iran, which is formidable in sanda, and Indonesia in third place. This is a commendable achievement,” he explained.

He expressed hope that tournaments of this nature would continue to be held to broaden national success. “if events like this can be held regularly, I am confident that regions across Indonesia will develop collectively and become increasingly prepared to compete on the international stage,” he concluded.

Wushu is among the most highly anticipated sports at the 2025 Kudus Martial Arts PON. This heritage martial art will serve as the finale for the inaugural Martial Arts PON event held in the nation.

_{source: ponbeladiri.com}