SENIOR OFFICIALS
GENERAL (RET.) PRABOWO SUBIANTO
President of IPSF - PERSILAT
Mr. Prabowo Subianto is a highly respected four-star retired army general and is currently the President of the Republic of Indonesia. He has practiced Pencak Silat since his teenage years and has remained actively engaged in the martial art throughout his military career. Mr. Prabowo is also the founder of the Pencak Silat Satria Muda Indonesia club.
In 2004, he was elected president of the Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI), where he has facilitated significant achievements, particularly at the 2018 Asian Games, where Pencak Silat contributed 14 of the 31 gold medals achieved by the Indonesian team.
Since 2010, Mr. Prabowo has held the position of chairman of the International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF). Under his leadership, the number of national Pencak Silat federations has more than doubled, increasing from 40 to 82 countries as of 2024.
Furthermore, in 2018, he launched the “Pencak Silat Road to Olympic” program, which aims to showcase Pencak Silat as an exhibition sport at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Mr. Prabowo is optimistic that, under his guidance, Pencak Silat will achieve status as a competitive sport in the Los Angeles 2028 and Melbourne 2032 Olympics, with a goal of attaining full competition status by the 2036 Olympics.
BENNY G. SUMARSONO
Executive Chairman of IPSF - PERSILAT
Mr. Benny began practicing Pencak Silat in 1970 and became the chairman of the Pencak Silat Bangau Putih school in 1978. He launched his competitive career as a free-class athlete at the World Pencak Silat Championship in 1984.
During the 1980s, Mr. Benny also enjoyed a successful acting career, appearing in approximately 15 Pencak Silat martial arts films. Notable titles from this era include “Bajing Ireng,” “Jaka Sembung” (1985), “Aji Pamungkas” (1990), and “Suromenggolo” (1991).
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Mr. Benny has served as the Vice President of the Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI). Since 2010, he has held the position of Executive Chairman of the International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF).
Following the launch of the “Pencak Silat Road to Olympic” program, Mr. Benny has led improvements to the Pencak Silat Competition Rules and Regulations, enhancing the sport’s appeal. Under his leadership, the governance of Pencak Silat organizations and competitions has seen significant advancements, ensuring alignment with the Olympic Charter. This effort includes the certification of international referees, judges, and coaches on a global scale.
TEDDY SURATMADJI
Secretary General of IPSF - PERSILAT
Mr. Teddy has dedicated himself to traditional Pencak Silat since the 1970s. In 1993, he launched his formal career by founding Perguruan Pencak Silat Persinas ASAD, which has since grown into the largest Pencak Silat school in Indonesia, with branches in all provinces. Currently, he serves as the Chairman of this prominent organization.
His association with the Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI) began in 2007, culminating in his appointment as Vice President in 2016. Additionally, he became the Secretary General of the International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) in 2010, and in 2022, he also took on the role of Secretary General of IPSI.
Mr. Teddy’s educational credentials complement his leadership capabilities. He earned a degree in engineering from the Institut Teknologi Bandung in 1984, followed by a master’s from North Carolina State University, USA, in 1993, and a doctorate from Universitas Nasional in 2022. This robust educational background equips him with the managerial expertise necessary for overseeing the global development of Pencak Silat.
Beyond his organizational roles, Mr. Teddy is also an avid promoter of Pencak Silat, traveling extensively to showcase the art. His significant field experience includes serving as an International Technical Delegate for various multi-sport events, such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the World Pencak Silat Championship, among others.