Jabat Sejagat 2025 upholds Nusantara identity

KUCHING (Dec 27): The Jabat Sejagat Festival 2025 has become a significant platform that uplifts martial arts and traditional sports, while also reinforcing the values of brotherhood and the cultural identity of ‘Nusantara’ (referring to the Malay Archipelago).

According to acting State Secretary Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel, the concept of ‘jabat’ (handshake in Malay) symbolises encounters and the willingness to foster mutual understanding.

Meanwhile, ‘sejagat’ (universal in Malay), which denotes openness and togetherness without boundaries, makes the festival a symbol of unity among schools, communities, and regions, grounded in the values of courtesy, respect, and universal humanity.

“The art of silat and traditional martial arts presented at this festival is not merely a display of movement or physical strength.

“It is a treasure of knowledge that cultivates discipline, ethics, wisdom, and balance between the physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects.

“These are the values that have shaped our society’s civilisation since ancient times, and these are the values that must continue to be passed on to future generations,” he said in his speech when officiating at the festival at Sarawak Sports Village (SSV) here on Friday, as reported by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas).

The festival, which runs until Sunday, brings together about 650 silat practitioners and also officials from across Sarawak, as well as martial arts delegations from Kalimantan, Indonesia.

It is jointly carried out by Sarawak Malay National Association (PKMS) and Rumpun Silat Sarawak (RSS), with cooperation with the state Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts.

Apart from silat and martial arts showcases, the event has also lined up other activities including traditional archery and slingshot challenges, as well as an exhibition and a mini bazaar.

Muhammad Abdullah added that, in the context of contemporary development, martial arts should be viewed as part of the ecosystem of human and community development, particularly in shaping youth character, promoting grassroots leadership, and providing healthy activities embedded in culture.

He also hailed Jabat Sejagat Festival 2025 as being aligned with the Sarawak government’s aspirations under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, especially in terms of human capital empowerment, cultural identity strengthening, creative economy development, and community and culture-based tourism.

“This festival not only preserves intangible cultural heritage, but also creates economic opportunities for communities through the participation of small entrepreneurs, artists, local vendors, as well as the hospitality and tourism sectors,” he said.

Muhammad Abdullah also expressed his appreciation to the PKMS and RSS, the strategic partners, government agencies, community organisations, the silat masters, and also all staff and volunteers for their commitment in ensuring the success of the festival.

“I hope the Jabat Sejagat Festival would continue to grow as a prestigious annual event and become a national and regional reference point in efforts to elevate silat and the cultural heritage of Nusantara,” he added.

Also present were PKMS president Dato Dr Wan Ali Tuanku Madhi, RSS deputy president Datuk Mohamad Yusnar Matalie, and vice-president I Grandmaster Mohamed Alli who is also chairman of the organising committee.