Indonesian Martial Art Pencak Silat Is Now Part Of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List

UNESCO has officially recognized the Indonesian Martial Art of Silat.

Indonesia’s Pencak Silat was inscribed by UNESCO’s “Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” on December 12 in Bogota, Colombia.

The announcement came on Twitter with UNESCO congratulating Indonesia on its incredible achievements.

🔴 BREAKING

Traditions of Pencak Silat, #Indonesia🇮🇩, have just been inscribed on the #IntangibleHeritage list.

Congratulations! 👏👏

ℹ️https://t.co/FQuHRxII7E #LivingHeritage #14com pic.twitter.com/aeFbUeLvlL

— UNESCO (@UNESCO) 12 December 2019

According to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage website, Pencak Silat encompasses self-defense and artistic aspects of dance, along with a combination of physical and spiritual training.

It’s strongly influenced by various elements of the arts with various styles, depending on location or where inspiration is derived from. It’s also often demonstrated as a performing art that is accompanied by music.

Watch Indonesia’s submissions to UNESCO below: