Silat Sendeng Cekak, a Malay Cultural Heritage,Now Threatened with Extinction
Silat Sendeng Cekak, a Malay Cultural Heritage, Now Threatened with Extinction
RIAU-ASWINNEWS.COM- Silat Sendeng Cekak, a martial art believed to have originated from the time of Datuk Admiral Hang Tuah, is now facing the threat of extinction.
This silat art, which is rich in history and has made Indonesia’s name famous in the international arena, requires more attention so that it remains sustainable.
This was expressed by Rahmad bin Ahmad (84), Thursday, April 24, 2025, to Journalist aswinnews.com, at his residence.
Established since 1958, on the initiative of Rahmad bin Ahmad, Silat Sendeng Cekak has five distinctive movements. Rahmad, who is now 84 years old and still in good health, founded the Sanggar Silat Pusaka Melayu Pulau Bintan which is located on Jalan Seijang, Taman Sari Housing, Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands.
This studio, which has successfully trained silat athletes who won first place in international tournaments in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
“However, it has not been active for the past two years, due to limited funds,” said Rahmad.
Now, the responsibility to preserve this Malay cultural heritage has been passed on to Bayu Ardiansyah bin Rahmad, Rahmad’s only son.
The existence of Silat Sendeng Cekak, with its history closely associated with the figure of the Malay hero Datuk Laksamana Hang Tuah, is a priceless cultural asset for the Riau Islands. More serious and sustainable preservation efforts are urgently needed so that this cultural heritage is not lost in time.
Now, hopes are placed on the government and people of the Riau Islands, to provide more support to Silat Sendeng Cekak, so that it can continue to be studied and developed by future generations.