The Ambon City Government is currently prioritizing the revitalization of pencak silat athlete development. This strategic step was taken in thorough preparation for the 2028 National Sports Week (PON), through strengthening the organizational structure and implementing a more systematic training program.
During the inauguration of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) Board of Ambon City for the 2026–2030 term on Saturday (7/11/2026), Ambon Mayor Bodewin Wattimena emphasized the importance of internal consolidation. According to him, the organization must immediately draft a measurable development roadmap to ensure optimal athlete regeneration.
Beyond performance targets, IPSI is expected to preserve the essence of pencak silat as a cultural heritage instilling values of discipline and sportsmanship. Bodewin also urged all pencak silat schools in Ambon to set aside sectoral egos and unite to create a solid sports ecosystem ahead of the 2027 Maluku Sports Week (Popmal).
Newly inaugurated Chairman of IPSI Ambon City, Fenly Masawoy, expressed his readiness to lead the organization in a more professional direction. One breakthrough to be implemented is the digitalization of the match scoring system to guarantee competition objectivity, while strengthening synergy with the Maluku Province IPSI and the local KONI.
Ambon City itself has a strong track record, having successfully emerged as overall champion at the 2022 Popmal and contributing a bronze medal to the Maluku contingent at the 2025 Martial Arts PON. This achievement now serves as a benchmark for the new board to maintain and even elevate to higher levels.
