The development of Pencak Silat in the Netherlands traces back to the arrival of immigrants from the former Dutch East Indies following the independence of Indonesia in 1947. These communities brought with them the rich traditions and diverse styles of Silat, laying the cultural foundation for its growth in Dutch society. The first formal Pencak Silat organizations in the Netherlands began to emerge around 1974, marking the transition from community practice to structured development.
Today, the Dutch Pencak Silat Federation (NPSF) stands as the only nationally recognized governing body for the sport in the Netherlands, officially established in 2015. The federation currently oversees approximately 50 affiliated schools, supporting around 1,000 athletes, along with 25 certified coaches and 22 referees, reflecting a steadily growing and organized Silat community.
Pencak Silat (pronounced “pentjak silat”) is an umbrella term for traditional martial arts originating from Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. The NPSF is dedicated to promoting and supporting this martial art in all its dimensions—cultural, educational, and competitive—through the organization of tournaments, seminars, festivals, and training programs in collaboration with its member schools.
The federation maintains strong international and institutional ties, working closely with embassies of the countries of origin and cooperating with leading Silat organizations worldwide. It is affiliated with the European Pencak Silat Federation (EPSF), the International Pencak Silat Federation (PERSILAT), the Federatie Oosterse Gevechtskunsten (FOG), and the NOC*NSF.
Importantly, Pencak Silat and Silat are officially recognized as intangible cultural heritage, highlighting their deep historical roots, cultural significance, and enduring value. Through its structured efforts and international collaboration, the NPSF continues to preserve, promote, and advance Pencak Silat within the Netherlands and beyond.