Martial Arts PON Cited as a Catalyst
Secretary General of the Indonesian Wushu Association (PBWI), Ngatino, has lauded the growing participation and enthusiasm of martial artists from across Indonesia, particularly at the 2025 Kudus Martial Arts PON.
"While many athletes currently still hail from East Java, DKI Jakarta, and Central Java, other regions are beginning to show promising development," he said at the Djarum Arena 3AB, GOR Kaliputu, Kudus, Central Java, on Friday (Oct. 24).
According to Ngatino, Eastern Indonesian regions such as North Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, and Papua hold significant potential to continue excelling in martial arts.
"The potential in the eastern regions is extraordinary. It is now a matter of increasing coaching and competitive opportunities to further refine their skills, especially in the sanda and taolu disciplines," he stated.
He also identified the enthusiasm among 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 an excellent catalyst. Many top regions are competing in sanda and taolu, demonstrating remarkable spirit," Ngatino remarked.
Furthermore, Ngatino emphasized that Indonesia has already established a strong position at the Asian and Southeast Asian levels. "We frequently win gold at the Asian Games and secure the overall championship in Southeast Asia. Currently, China remains at the top, followed by Iran, which is strong in sanda, and Indonesia in third. This is an achievement we are proud of," he explained.
He hopes that championships of this nature will continue to expand national success. "If events like this can be held regularly, I am confident that regions throughout Indonesia will grow together and become increasingly prepared to compete at the international level," he concluded.
Wushu has emerged as one of the most anticipated sports at the 2025 Kudus Martial Arts PON. This ethnic martial art will serve as the closing event for the inaugural Martial Arts PON held in the country.
source: ponbeladiri.com
