ACEH TENGAH | INDATANEWS.COM - The 2026 Aceh Tengah Police Chief Cup Pencak Silat Championship, held to commemorate the 80th Bhayangkara Day, officially concluded on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The closing ceremony of the traditional martial arts tournament took place in a festive atmosphere at the Gentala Sports Hall in Merah Mersa Village, Lut Tawar District, Aceh Tengah Regency.
The tournament was officially closed by Aceh Tengah Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Samsir, S.H., representing Aceh Tengah Police Chief AKBP Muhamad Taufiq, S.I.K., M.H. The event was attended by representatives from various government agencies and sports organizations, including the Aceh Tengah Youth and Sports Office, the Indonesian National Sports Committee (KONI) of Aceh Tengah, youth leaders, Aceh Tengah Police personnel, referees, judges, and hundreds of Pencak Silat athletes from Aceh Tengah,
Bener Meriah, and Gayo Lues regencies.
Held over three days from June 19 to 21, 2026, the championship served as a talent development program and a competitive platform for elementary school and madrasah-level athletes. Beyond pursuing sporting achievements, participants also used the event to strengthen friendships and foster solidarity among various Pencak Silat schools across the Gayo Highlands.
The organizers designed the championship as part of their efforts to nurture Pencak Silat development from an early age. Through a fair and structured competition system, athletes were given opportunities to showcase their skills, gain valuable match experience, and develop a winning mentality.
DEVELOPING YOUNG ATHLETES: Organizing Committee Chairman Irmi Bukit, S.Pd.I., M.H., emphasized that the championship serves as a platform for nurturing children and youth athletes while identifying talented Pencak Silat practitioners who can represent their regions in future sporting events. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Pencak Silat as a Tool for Character BuildingChairman of the Organizing Committee, Irmi Bukit, S.Pd.I., M.H., said that Pencak Silat is not merely a martial art but also an important medium for shaping the character of the younger generation.
According to him, Pencak Silat is one of Indonesia's cultural heritages that carries numerous positive values. Through training and competition, athletes learn discipline, perseverance, responsibility, mental resilience, and the importance of unity and brotherhood.
"This championship serves as a platform to develop youth athletes while identifying talented fighters who can represent the region in future sporting events," he said.
Irmi Bukit also emphasized that the success of the championship was made possible through the support of numerous stakeholders. He expressed appreciation to the Aceh Tengah Police Chief and his staff, the Aceh Tengah Regency Government, the Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (IPSI), sponsors, and the organizing committee.
The collaboration among various sectors reflects a shared commitment to advancing regional sports development. In addition to producing competitive athletes, the event strengthened cooperation among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, sports organizations, and the wider community.
He added that the championship demonstrated how sports can serve as an effective tool to guide young people away from negative influences. Through positive and competitive activities, athletes learn to channel their energy productively, develop their talents, and build strong character.
Police Support Athlete Development and Fair PlayIn his remarks, Aceh Tengah Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Samsir stated that the Indonesian National Police remains committed to supporting youth development through educational, achievement-oriented, and coaching programs.
He noted that all matches throughout the championship were conducted safely, orderly, smoothly, and in the spirit of fair play. Athletes not only displayed their technical abilities but also demonstrated mutual respect, one of the core values of Pencak Silat.
"This championship is not solely about determining winners. It is also about developing character, mental strength, discipline, and sportsmanship among the younger generation," Commissioner Samsir said.
He observed that the quality of competition during the three-day tournament showed significant progress. Many young athletes displayed impressive technical skills and strong potential to compete at higher levels.
Commissioner Samsir stressed that continuous coaching is essential to producing athletes capable of competing successfully at provincial and national levels. Therefore, special attention must be given to the development of young talent.
"The athletes from Aceh Tengah,
Bener Meriah, and Gayo Lues possess tremendous potential. They must continue to receive guidance and support so they can excel at provincial and even national competitions," he added.
He also expressed hope that similar championships would be held regularly in the future to evaluate athlete development and discover new talents for upcoming competitions.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of sportsmanship, noting that while winning remains a goal in every competition, building character and respecting opponents are equally important values for the future generation.
BUILDING CHARACTER THROUGH SPORTS: Aceh Tengah Deputy Police Chief Commissioner Samsir, S.H., stated that the championship is not only about determining winners but also about fostering character, discipline, mental resilience, and sportsmanship among the younger generation. (PHOTO: Adli Safwan)
Bener Meriah Dominates Medal StandingsBased on the official final results, the Bener Meriah contingent emerged as the overall champion of the tournament, securing 12 gold medals, four silver medals, and eight bronze medals.
The achievement reflects the strength of Pencak Silat athlete development programs in the Gayo Highlands region.
Bener Meriah athletes demonstrated consistent dominance from the opening day through the final rounds.
Tapak Suci Aceh Tengah also delivered an impressive performance, collecting five gold medals, seven silver medals, and four bronze medals. The result highlights the steady progress of athlete development efforts in Aceh Tengah.
Several other schools and contingents also earned achievements across various competition categories, including Gayo Lues, MP Aceh Tengah, Persinas Aceh Tengah, Tunas Nusantara, PSHT Aceh Tengah, Kilat Barat, SMI, Tari Guel Aceh Tengah, and BS Melati.
Throughout the championship, the competition remained intense while maintaining a high standard of sportsmanship. Athletes, coaches, and officials demonstrated professionalism, ensuring that all matches ran smoothly until the final day.
The 2026
Aceh Tengah Police Chief Cup Pencak Silat Championship, organized as part of the 80th Bhayangkara Day celebrations, also served to strengthen relations between the police and the community. Through sports activities, the Aceh Tengah Police continue to foster closer engagement with society while encouraging the development of a healthy, achievement-oriented, and strong-character generation.
The closing ceremony concluded at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time in a safe, orderly, and peaceful atmosphere. All stakeholders expressed hope that the championship would produce outstanding Pencak Silat athletes capable of representing their regions at the 2027 Aceh Sports Week and even the National Sports Games of Indonesia.
More than just a sporting event, the championship became an important moment to strengthen unity, foster brotherhood among Pencak Silat schools, and preserve Pencak Silat as one of Indonesia's cultural heritages that continues to thrive among Aceh's younger generation.
(IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala