Banjarmasin, S Kalimatan (ANTARA) - A number of foreigh silat fighters attended Parang Days Festival 2023 that took place on November 26-27 at the Siring Menara Pandang attraction, the embankment of Martapura River, in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.
Banjarmasin Mayor Ibnu Sina, who opened the festival, appreciated the lively event, which was co-organized by the Banjarmasin Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office and the Indonesian Tradisional Silat Federation Banjarmasin chapter.
Silat fighters from various silat schools from various regions in Indonesia, including from neighboring countries, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, and Turkey, were also attended
As many as 500 of the traditional martial arts fighters were then paraded in the city.
The mayor said that the event was held in conjuction with a national culture seminar, the Sasirangan Sling Grab Championship, Bakuntau Parade, religious cultural tourism, parang day award, colossal performance (a collaboration of kuntau and various Banjar arts) as well as workshop and gathering of the Nusantara silat warriors.
He considered this event is an opportunity to revive the dignity of local art culture and tradition so as not to be eroded by the times.
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The word parang is the local language for traditional sharp weapon, which also known as golok or machete.
The theme "The Beauty Of Culture From Banjarmasin To The World", he said, describes the same spirit to encourage the beauty and uniqueness of local culture so it can go global.
President of the Indonesia Silat Federation (FPSTI) International Rahmansyah expressed his proud and grateful for the more attention given by the City of Banjarmasin to the development of silat martial art through this event.
"I am very proud and grateful that Banjarmasin cares about and fully support the implementation of silat event which is strong cultural tradition both on a national and international scale," he said.
He also hopes that in the future Banjarmasin City can host the world silat championship.
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