VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Silek Arts Festival 2018 is considered to be the right means to preserve the Minangkabau Silat martial art. This activity was held from September 7 to November 30, 2018 in eight districts and cities in West Sumatra. Deputy Mayor of Bukittinggi, Irwandi at the Silek Arts Festival in Bukittinggi, on Thursday ( 29/11) said the dimming of the tradition in global modernity was due to the lack of protection of culture and cultural expressions of the people, especially the Silek Minangkabau. For this reason, this big celebration of traditional martial arts, which involves participants from the United States, Malaysia, Britain and Singapore, aims to improve the protection of the values ​​and practices of traditional Minangkabau arts. Through the Silek Arts Festival series in the form of art performances, silek exhibitions, literary performances, silek tuo performances, seminars, screening of silek films, to dance performances, it can also strengthen the position of the Silek Minangkabau community, and promote the expression of traditional Minangkabau practices that contribute to the enrichment national culture.

 

"This 2018 Silek Festival provides space for the diversity of expressions of silek tradition, and encourages cultural interaction to strengthen an inclusive culture. Protecting the freedom of the silat martial art in maintaining and developing cultural values ​​that exist in each target and the silek flow in Minangkabau. It also encourages cultural interaction between groups and regions of the spirit of unity," said Irwandi. 

 

Irwandi further hoped that Silat martial art would be able to motivate participation and develop the economy and the welfare of the Minangkabau people. On the same occasion, Head of Education and Culture Office of Bukittinggi, Melfi Abra said, this activity also aims to arise the enthusiasm of the young generation towards the artistic values ​​of Minangkabau culture, giving pride and a sense of belonging to the community towards the existence of Silat martial art. Silek Arts Festival 2018 is supported by the Directorate General of Culture, Ministry of Education and Culture. Indonesiana is a platform supporting cultural arts activities in Indonesia that aims to help manage sustainable cultural  activities, networks, and development. (VOI/Sekar / edit r)