Inp.polri.go.id - Palembang. The South Sumatra Regional Police launched the "Regional Police Chief (Kapolda) Cup II Pencak Silat Championship 2026" at the Dempo Gymnasium, Jakabaring Sport City in Palembang on Thursday (9/7/2026). 

Organized to commemorate the 80th Bhayangkara Day under the theme "Toward the Olympic Golden Indonesia," the tournament was opened by South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru, who praised South Sumatra Regional Police Chief Inspector General Sandi Nugroho for actively preserving traditional Indonesian martial arts.

"The tactical foresight of the South Sumatra Police in reactivating this traditional sport marks a revival for our ancestral heritage," Governor Herman said. "The goal is not simply physical agility, but building sportsmanship and a great competitive mindset for the future."

The championship broke participation records with 1,047 registered fighters, notably featuring a female majority of 558 athletes alongside 489 male competitors. Highlighting cross-sector structural synergy, the tournament united participants from dozens of regional training schools, including 74 tactical officers from the Indonesian Military (TNI), 75 officers from the Indonesian National Police (INP), and 176 civilian martial artists.

South Sumatra Police Head of Public Relations Senior Superintendent Nandang Mu'min Wijaya said that the major event serves as a long-term investment in youth character building and athletic development, aiming to groom future world-class competitors capable of representing Indonesia on the global Olympic stage.

(mg/ta/pr/rs)