02 August 2005

Pencak silat brings Malaysia and Indonesia closer together

JAKARTA, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- The National Silat Federation of Malaysia (Pesaka) and the Indonesian Pencak Silat Federation (IPSI) are prepared to act as a bridge to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries through joint training programs and exchange of exponents and coaches.

Pesaka president Tan Sri Muhammad Muhd Taib said that through the program, relations between the peoples of the two countries who shared a common culture, including pencak silat, could dampen a potentially fiery situation.

Indonesia had millions of silat exponents who had strong patriotic feelings and they formed the elite group of community leaders in their respective areas who could nurture a feeling of understanding and comradeship between the peoples of the two countries, he told Bernama here today.

He said Pesaka hoped to strengthen ties with IPSI including organising joint training so that the exponents would know each other better, have closer communication and a stronger bond with each other besides raising the quality of the pencak silat itself.

"Imagine if we can capitalise on this relationship to convey accurate information on Malaysia, whether in terms of procedures for Indonesian workers to enter Malaysia or on the laws applicable in Malaysia, which would certainly contribute towards addressing the problems of illegal immigrants," he said.

Muhammad said the information conveyed to the silat exponents would certainly be extended to other family members, relatives and neighbours in their respective villages which might not be found in the newspapers or other media.

"This will have a positive effect that could make it possible for those wishing to come to Malaysia to fulfil the Malaysian immigration and labour requirements and to know a little bit on the Malaysian laws to avoid them from committing crime," he said.

He said cooperation in the economic field could also be enhanced because many silat gurus in Indonesia were being strongly supported by Indonesian corporate leaders.

Written by NASIR YUSOF
Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-134854698/pencak-silat-brings-msia.html

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