UMS Rector Calls for Fair Play at POMNAS XIX

Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS) once again takes the national spotlight as it hosts the 19th National Student Sports Week (POMNAS XIX) pencak silat competition in Central Java, 2025. The prestigious intercollegiate event, bringing together student-athletes from across Indonesia, was officially opened on Tuesday (23/9/2025) at the KH Ahmad Dahlan Edutorium, UMS.

In his welcoming remarks, UMS Rector Prof. Dr. Harun Joko Prayitno, M.Hum., extended greetings to the thousands of participants and guests in attendance. He emphasized that pencak silat is not merely a sport, but a cultural heritage of the nation, carrying values of unity, sportsmanship, and perseverance.

“Pencak silat is our cultural sport. It embodies spirit, sportsmanship, effort, and brotherhood. The philosophy of pencak silat is to move, to achieve, and to make an impact,” he said.

Harun further underlined that sports provide three major benefits: physical health, mental and spiritual strength, and the fostering of friendship. “Welcome, and good luck in your matches. Let pencak silat be a stage for brotherhood and achievements that bring pride to the nation,” he added.

Pencak silat athletes compete at the Edutorium UMS during POMNAS XIX, September 23, 2025. UMS Public Relations/Imam Safii  

Carrying the spirit “Pencak Silat: Moving, Achieving, Impacting”, the Rector affirmed UMS’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, safe, and memorable POMNAS XIX 2025.

“Through this momentum, UMS together with Muhammadiyah reaffirms the crucial role of universities in shaping the nation’s civilization, including through sports,” he concluded.

The POMNAS XIX 2025 pencak silat competition features 384 athletes from 36 provinces across Indonesia. The participation of nearly all provinces reflects the strong spirit of students eager to compete in this traditional sport that has gained global recognition.

Technical Delegate for Pencak Silat, Dr. Haris Nugroho, M.Or., stated that this year’s POMNAS applies the new 2025 pencak silat regulations, designed with greater safety in mind.

“Alhamdulillah, POMNAS XIX can be held at the UMS Edutorium. With such a magnificent venue, we hope athletes’ enthusiasm will rise even further. The new rules are also structured to minimize injuries, allowing them to compete safely and comfortably,” he explained.

According to him, pencak silat is increasingly gaining a place of honor, especially when staged in a representative and prestigious arena.

Support for POMNAS also came from the Department of Sports Development (LPO) of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah. Its Secretary, Dr. Fajar Junaedi, S.Sos., M.Si., emphasized that UMS serving as host represents Muhammadiyah’s concrete commitment to advancing national sports.

“From the very beginning, Muhammadiyah has cared about sports development. In fact, Muhammadiyah figure Abdul Hamid was recorded as the first treasurer of PSSI. Through Tapak Suci, Muhammadiyah has also made major contributions to pencak silat,” Fajar said.

He added that the presence of sports-related academic programs and facilities such as the UMS Edutorium are clear proof of Muhammadiyah’s dedication to both educational and professional sports advancement.

“Our hope is that participants will not only achieve in sports, but also continue excelling academically. May this POMNAS give birth to student-athletes who can bring pride to the nation at the international level,” he added.

Beyond being a competition, POMNAS XIX 2025 also serves as a forum for strengthening ties among students across Indonesia. Alongside the athletes, a number of national and regional officials were also present to show support, including the Chair of KONI Surakarta, the Head of the Youth and Sports Office, the Chief of Surakarta Police, the Military District Commander, as well as representatives of national sports figures.

Writer: Fika Annisa’ Sholihah

Editor: Maysali Sudarwarti

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid