Open Tanding championship  On May 31st 2009, PPS Manyang organized a Tanding championship in Den Helder. This event was very successful. 24 schools participated, in total 189 pesilats. Not only did the size of the event impress us, but also the atmosphere which was utmost pleasant. PPS Manyang annually organizes a Tanding championship. Until now the emphasis of these competitions has been on the youth. This year was meant for the youth, juniors as well as senior participants.

The 189 competitors have been dispersed over 5 competition fields. The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany were represented. Next to Manyang 12 recognized wasits, 20 jurors and 14 officials participated in the event. Of course there was also a warung makan and various stands. 

The Seni-Beladiri festival in Poeldijk, which had a splendid atmosphere, was a stepping stone for a sportingly competition. The relationships among the competitors were particularly good. The atmosphere at the opening has been set by the ambassador His Excellency J.E. Habibie, who openend the competition with a speech to which everyone listened attentively. His Excellency Habibie emphasized the importance of self control when practicing Pencak & Silat. The fact that everyone was so quiet during the speech illustrates the aspect of self control which goes with Pencak & Silat. This motivates us to uphold the principle of brotherhood.

From left to right.:Bpk. G.F. de Groot, secretary of Stichting ASLI, Bpk. Ph.J.C. Tönjes, chairman St. ASLI, Bpk. Firdaus Dahlan, Minister Counsellor Penerangan dan Social Budaya of the Embassy, mrs. Smit, alderman of the community of Den Helder and His Excellency Bpk. J.E. Habibie, ambassador of the Republik of Indonesia in The Netherlands.

During the day there has been no sign of unsporting behavior. Unfortunately around 2PM an accident occurred at which a pesilat was hit on his throat. The help of an ambulance had to be called. All matches were temporarily stopped and the tension was clearly perceptible: Everyone hoped for a good ending. Although the incident made an impression, the games could continue afterwards without further problems. 

Although these types of accidents sporadically occur at martial arts contests, Bapak Tönjes wishes to emphasize as sesepuh, the importance of following the rules in Pencak Silat. The chance that an accident occurs increases if the rules are not being followed. 

Furhermore during the event money has been raised for the campaign ‘Because I’m a Girl’ by ‘Plan Nederland’. The title of the tournament was ‘Fighting for Girls’. 

Our association P.P.& S. PAMUR Kombinasi Tjimande T.K.K.D.H.B. has contributed to the tournament in several ways. Anthony Djadoenath was represented as a doctor at the First Aid, while Gijs, Mickelle and Suresh participated as jurors. 

Also Remco Bounin actually participated in the competition with his coach Stephen Salimin. It was Remco’s first tanding fight in the Pencak Silat. I has fought sportingly and has won the second price, as well as a new experience. We, as an association are proud that he has demonstrated the PAMUR style well in the matches. Additionally it was a lot of fun that so many friends and family of Remco came over to Den Helder to support him.

We have gotten up very early for this day, and it became quite late. At the end we ate together, and evaluated the day. When Gijs his car broke down all of us waited for the road service for an hour. It was not a punishment but all coziness and we enjoyed the sun down in Den Helder.
Go back

	Pencak Silat Festival Poeldijk On the 4th of April 2009 a big Pencak Silat took place, which has been organized by the KBRI (Indonesian Embassy) in The Hague. The ASLI foundation took care of the technical part of the festival. The festival was held in ‘De Leuningjes’ in Poeldijk, near The Hague. Fifteen different alirans (main stylistic branch of Pencak Silat) participated. Each association gave demonstrations.
The day started with an opening ceremony at which Bapak Tönjes saluted all deceased Pencak Silat teachers toward the four wind directions. Thereafter he handed over a keris to His Excellency Bapak J.E. Habibie, ambassador of Indonesia, after which an opening dance was performed. It was a surprise to the ambassador that this was an event of such magnitude. In his speech he emphasized the close connection between Indonesia and the Netherlands which originated in the colonial history: It’s a relationship with both love and hate. His Excellency Bapak Habibie has been assigned as ambassador, despite his high age, because he has a mission. Namely: to maintain and strengthen the good relationship between both countries. He concluded with a song and the festival was opened with a gong chime.  His Excellency Bapak Habibie has supported this event, because it is a token of the love for the Indonesian culture in the Netherlands. He was impressed by the size of the festival and by the fact that so many Dutch people practice the Noble Art of Self Defense Pencak Silat.  The event was not organized as a competition, but as a promotional event for the Pencak & Silat. Nonetheless, out of joy that this festival could take place, the ambassador did provide a price for the ‘best’ achievement: The Ambassador J.E. Habibie Cup, which was handed over to the association Mande Muda Mawar Suci.  The day was all about tasting the atmosphere of the seni-beladiri, and tasting the great food of the warung of Ibu Supriyono. Various authentic Indonesian styles have been demonstrated the atmosphere was colorful and relaxed. After the demonstrations we still had to wait for the result. To kill the time Gijs and Mickelle danced the Jaipong. Encouraged by the presenter Eric Bovelander, people from the audience joined, creating a cozy welcome for His Excellency the Ambassador. When he came in, he immediately started dancing too. At the festival, all Guru’s which have played a role in propagating and promoting Pencak & Silat, have been honored with a certificate. All participants of the event received a medal. The festival was closed with a gong chime.  The event has been a great success and should definitely be repeated according to the organizers. From now on the festival will be held each year in April. During the day TV recordings have been made which have been broadcasted in Jakarta. Right after the cultural attaché, Bapak Firdaus Dahlan, had reported the course of the festival, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided that similar festivals will be organized by other Indonesian Embassies in other countries.  P.P. & S. PAMUR Kombinasi is very grateful toward His Excellency J.E. Habibie and hopes he will receive all the strength and good health for the fulfillment of his office, because we, by his cooperation and speech, for ever will have support in promoting the Noble Art of Self Defense Pencak Silat. Go back
Buka Gelanggan. Opening by Bpk. Ph.J.C. Tönjes Glr. Sanjoto as a chairman of the Dewan Sesepuh.
Bpk. Tönjes handed a keris to the Ambassador at the opening of the festival.
From left to right: Bpk. Theuvenet, Bpk. Umarella, Bpk. Wasch, Bpk. Tönjes.