Jakarta, NU Online
Some 1000 warriors of Nahdlatul Ulama Pencak Silat Association (IPS NU) Pagar Nusa will attend the Pagar Nusa's 2nd Congress that will be held at Sunan Drajat Islamic boarding school (pesantren), Lamongan, East Java, on July 9-12, ahead.<>

According to the General Secretary of the NU's martial arts group, M. Fathurohman, the Pagar Nusa members who will attend the congress are those who are full participants for having the right to vote and speak at the congress, and those who are considered as observers for having only the right to speak, instead of voting.

Fathurohman further explained, the participants came from the regional (provincial) and the branch (regency) boards throughout Indonesia, as well as invitations.

"There have now been 21 regional boards and some 220 branch boards. The former will delegate five people, while the latter will delegate three ones, "he said.

Fathurohman was of the view, Pagar Nusa branches were widespread throughout Indonesia through the pesantren, kiai (Islamic clerics), mosques, and NU individuals.

"Each kiai in the archipelago, is basically a martial arts expert. They are, in addition to being religious scholars, also martial arts experts. Thus, any communication in terms of the establishment of Pagar Nusa is through (the involvement) of kiai and pesantren, "he added.

According to Fathurrohman, the congress would take up such agendas as martial arts (pencak silat) attraction performed by the Pagar Nusa Regional Board of East Java and West Java.

"Then the speeches of the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Indonesia with the theme "Reinforcing National Commitment: The Participation of Pagar Nusa in Keeping the Indonesia's Dignity," he said.

Fathurrohman added that the congress participants would also discuss the future of martial arts as an ancestral legacy for being considered almost disappeared. This topic would be presented by Minister of Culture and Tourism, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, General Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI) and General Chairman of Pagar Nusa.

The Congress is aimed at strengthening both the brotherhood and the synergy of Pagar Nusa members and warriors throughout Indonesia in addition to forming the Pagar Nusa stewardship for the period 2012-2017.

Contributor : Abdullah Alawi
Editor : Sudarto Murtaufiq