Kapolri, Jenderal Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo at the inauguration of the Pencak Silat Arts Training Center and the 3rd Anniversary celebration of Pesanggrahan Tjimande Banten Indonesia (PTBI).

progresifjaya.co.id, BANTEN – Kapolri, Jenderal Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo has encouraged the development of Tjimande pencak silat and the cultural art of debus into cultural assets that can provide economic benefits to the people of Banten.

The Kapolri believes, that this cultural wealth should not merely be preserved as tradition but must also be managed effectively so it can be introduced to a wider audience and become a source of revenue for the region.

He conveyed this message during the inauguration of the Silat Arts Training Center and the 3rd-anniversary celebration of Pesanggrahan Tjimande Banten Indonesia (PTBI) on Friday, September 18, 2026.

According to the Police Chief, Tjimande pencak silat and debus are unique characteristics of Banten that must be preserved. Developing these two cultural arts is a shared responsibility involving all martial arts schools, their leaders, and the people of Banten.

“This represents a source of strength that, if managed well, goes beyond mere culture. We can develop it into a cultural asset that we introduce to the world, serving as a source of revenue for the region—the province, regency, district, and even the villages,” said the Kapolri.

To that end, the Police Chief urged all parties to work together to build, safeguard, and enhance this potential. Cultural preservation requires sustainable guidance to ensure that pencak silat and

debus remain alive, well-known, and appealing to the younger generation.

On this occasion, the Kapolri also encouraged the construction of similar training centers or padepokan in every regency across Banten. These training facilities are expected to serve as spaces for practicing pencak silat, upholding local wisdom, and developing various regional cultural arts.

“I ask that facilities like this be established in every regency so that all of Banten’s cultural arts can be safeguarded, practiced, and preserved,” the Kapolri stated.

He further explained, that such pesanggrahan  should not serve solely as places for martial arts training.  The pesanggrahan must also serve as a space for learning and discussion, as well as a venue for the community to gather and seek solutions to various issues through a spirit of togetherness.

The PTBI Pencak Silat Arts Training Center is also expected to be open to all silat schools and the general public. Consequently, the facility can serve as a hub for arts and cultural activities while fostering stronger social bonds among residents.

It was emphasized that cultural development must go hand-in-hand with reinforcing the noble values ​​of pencak silat. Practitioners and masters alike must consistently uphold the spirit of defending the truth, protecting the weak, maintaining unity, and benefiting the community.

Through these efforts, the National Police Chief hopes that Tjimande pencak silat and debus will become an increasingly strong cultural identity for Banten, while simultaneously creating opportunities for the advancement of the community and the region. (Bembo)