(AseanAll)  —  Pencak silat, which originates from Indonesia, has become increasingly popular in Cambodia. During the opening of the Cambodian National Pencak Silat Championship on 7 March 2025, Indonesian Ambassador Santo Darmosumarto highlighted the potential for this martial arts to boost the friendship between the people of the two countries.

The two-day championship, organized by the Cambodian Pencak Silat Federation, aimed to select the best athletes to take part at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand later this year. 153 athletes from various provinces in Cambodia took part in the event.

Ambassador Santo expressed his appreciation to the Cambodian Pencak Silat Federation, led by Major General Seng Thearin, for nurturing the growth of this martial arts' local popularity.

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019, pencak silat is more than just a sport. At the center of its philosophy are the values of friendship, sportsmanship, and respect for others. This provides a basis for linking people across cultures and strengthening relations among countries.

In 2022, the two countries signed an MoU on training cooperation between kun lbokator and pencak silat. The hope is that the two martial arts will grow in popularity in both countries. Also, for both countries' athletes to achieve successes in international competition.

The President of the Cambodian Pencak Silat Federation, Major General Seng Thearin, expressed appreciation for Indonesia's continued support in developing pencak silat in Cambodia. He expressed hopes that Cambodian pencak silat athletes would once again achieve glory at the Sea Games in Thailand later this year.

For Indonesia, the first ever Cambodia National Pencak Silat Championship is not just a competition but an important moment to further strengthen the foundations of increased bilateral cooperation in various fields in the future.