The formal system of Indonesia’s fighting art is called pencak silat. The people of the Malay ethnicity group has been training in this fighting system as early as the 6th century. Initially pencak silat was developed from observations of animal movements and natural surroundings. Pencak silat was used for defending against bandits and tribes from outside the archipelago. In addition, it was used to protect the family and one’s honor. Pencak silat is closely tied to the history of Indonesia and had a significant impact on the growth of Indonesia.
