Pencak Silat Weaponry: Between Classical Honour and Modern Criminality
Full blown street fight with Clurit (Sickles) and Parang (Machetes) in Madura, Indonesia. The most interesting element in the video is when the person being attacked falls down, then gets up after being chopped and slashed multiple times, and pulls out his own parang making his attackers reconsider! all makes for spectacular CCTV footage.
Pencak Silat is a mesmerizing martial art hailing from the Indonesian archipelago. With a rich history spanning centuries, Pencak Silat is deeply intertwined with the diverse cultures and traditions of the region. It has been practiced as an art of warfare, self-defense method, and a spiritual pursuit to develop the best human character. Weapons play a crucial role in the martial art, showcasing the skill and finesse of the practitioners while enriching their connection to their heritage. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of traditional weaponry in Pencak Silat, exploring the history, cultural significance, design, and real world examples of their modern use in crimes or as a means of settling escalated personal disputes in Indonesia. This article was written entirely for research purposes as we were interested to see how traditional weapons were used, if at all, in criminality in Indonesia. The results were interesting to say the least.
Karambit, cakar mematikan dari tanah Minang. —> Translation: "The Karambit, a deadly claw from the land of Minang.”
Karambit: The Deadly Claw of West Sumatra: The Karambit is a curved blade native to West Sumatra, Indonesia, and the primary weapon of Pencak Silat Sharaf. With a distinctive curved blade that resembles a claw. Historically, it was used by royal guards to the Sultans of Minagkabau and said to have been developed by a woman centuries ago, and considering that Minangkabau people are a traditionally matrilineal society, that is quite plausible. Read all about the Karambit HERE. Its unique shape and design make it a versatile weapon in the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat. According to the Indonesian National Police, Karambits were involved in 3.7% of all weapon-related crimes in West Sumatra region in 2019. One notable incident involved a group of thieves armed with Karambits who robbed a convenience store, injuring several customers and employees before being apprehended by the police.
Kris, simbol kekuatan dan keberanian tanah Jawa.—> Translation: "The Kris, a symbol of strength and courage from the land of Java."
Kris: The Majestic Dagger of Java: The Kris is a traditional Indonesian dagger with a unique wavy blade, originating from the island of Java. It holds significant cultural and historical importance in Indonesian society, symbolizing the power and authority of its wielders. In Pencak Silat, the Kris is a highly respected and versatile weapon, known for its ability to deliver lethal strikes. According to a 2020 report by the Indonesian National Police, Kris knives were involved in 2.5% of all weapon-related crimes in the Central Java region. In one case, a man attacked a police officer with a Kris after being pulled over for a traffic violation. The officer was able to subdue the attacker without sustaining any injuries.
Rencong Melayu, menawan dengan taringnya. —> Translation: "The Malay Rencong, captivating with its fangs."
Rencong: The Traditional Dagger of Aceh: The Rencong is a traditional dagger native to the Aceh region of northern Sumatra, featuring a unique L-shaped handle representing the first letter in the Arabic word Bismillah, which translates to, “In the Name of God.” The blade is usually adorned with intricate designs, patterns, and religious inscriptions. It holds great cultural significance for Acehnese people and has historically been carried by warriors and nobility as a symbol of status and authority. A 2021 study conducted by the Indonesian National Police revealed that Rencong knives were used in 1.8% of all edged weapon-related crimes in the Aceh region. In one incident, a man armed with a Rencong attacked a local market, injuring several people before being subdued by the police. The attacker was later found to be suffering from mental health issues and was placed under psychiatric care.
Sarong, pelindung tubuh dan jiwa. Translation: —> "The Sarong, protector of the body and soul."
Sarong: The Sarong is a traditional garment worn around the lower part of the body or as a scarf around the neck, that has become a versatile and effective improvised weapon in Pencak Silat. Though not originally intended for combat, the Sarong's non-offensive look has made it a favourite of Pencak Silat practitioners in Indonesia as a defensive and offensive weapon in various situations when accessibility to more normal weapons like knives are not possible. According to a 2017 survey by the Indonesian National Police, due to its popularity as a fashion item by Silat practitioners, the Sarong was involved in 4.2% of violent incidents in Indonesia, many of which involved Silat-trained people. One example occurred in Bali when a Silat-trained gang member used the Sarong around his neck to disarm and strangle an assassin wielding a machete, ultimately saving the lives of his fellow gang members who were stunned by the blitzkrieg attack. Read all about the Sarong HERE
Toya melatih tubuh, melatih jiwa. Translation: —> "The Toya trains the body, trains the soul."
Toya: The Traditional Staff of Silat: The Toya, a long wooden staff, is an essential weapon in the Indonesian martial art of Pencak Silat. Primarily used for strength training and self-defense, the Toya allows practitioners to develop their strength, agility, and coordination. Although it may appear simple compared to other weapons, the Toya can be a highly effective tool in the hands of a skilled Silat practitioner. According to the Indonesian National Police, impact weapon related crimes, including those involving the Toya, accounted for 2.9% of all weapon incidents in 2020. In one case in Bandung, a Pencak Silat instructor fought off a gang of armed robbers who attacked his students using a Toya, showcasing the weapon's effectiveness against melee attacks involving multiple armed adversaries.
Golok membelah kayu, dan membelah musuh. Translation: —> "The Golok splits wood, and splits enemies."
Golok: The Combat Machete of Silat: The Golok, a heavy machete with a curved blade, is a traditional Indonesian weapon commonly worn by the Javanese people as a standard of their attire. The Golok is on of the the most powerful weapons for slashing and chopping attacks in Silat close-quarter fighting tactics and has proven itself versatile and reliable in many instances in history. In 2019, the Indonesian National Police reported that the Golok was involved in 5.7% of all weapon-related crimes in the country. A high-profile case occurred in East Java, where a man armed with a Golok got into a verbal confrontation with a police officer during a routine traffic stop and subsequently tried to behead the officer with his Golok. Luckily, the officer was trained in Silat and effectively defended himself against the attack. The assailant was later apprehended and charged with attempted murder.
Parang tajam, seperti tekad yang tak tergoyahkan. Translation: —> "The sharp Parang, like unwavering determination."
Parang: The Versatile Farming Tool and Weapon: The Parang is another heavy, bladed weapon extremely popular in agriculture resembling a machete with a fat head and thin body. It is typically used as a versatile cutting tool in agriculture, hunting, and construction. However, its durable construction, cheap price, and availability (it’s in every hardware store) made it a standard weapon for Pencak Silat practitioners to learn, and one of the most popular tools for criminals in Indonesia and Malaysia. In 2020, the Indonesian National Police found that the Parang was involved in 4.4% of all edged weapon-related crimes. One such incident in Central Java saw an armed robber wielding a Parang attempting to rob a small grocery store. Fortunately, a passerby who was proficient in Pencak Silat intervened and disarmed the attacker without anyone being injured in the incident. Parang attacks and armed robberies are some of the most common edged-weapon related crimes in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Clurit tajam, menghantam tanpa ampun. Translation: —> "The sharp Clurit, striking without mercy."
Clurit: The Deadly Sickle of East Java: The Clurit or Celurit, a traditional sickle from East Java, is one of the most terrifying weapons used in Pencak Silat. A weapon with a short, curved blade typically used for agricultural tasks like harvesting crops. In Pencak Silat, however, the Clurit becomes a deadly weapon, capable of inflicting severe injuries through slashing and stabbing attacks. Its most notable use has been on the island of Madura, where the local Silat practitioners have mastered the weapon to an incredible degree. According to a 2018 report from the Indonesian National Police, the Clurit was involved in 3.1% of all weapon-related crimes. In one case in Surabaya, an honor dispute between two men escalated into violence when one man attacked the other with a Clurit he carried concealed, leaving him in critical condition. The attacker was later arrested and charged with attempted murder.
Kujang, kebanggaan Sunda, melindungi tanah leluhur. Translation: —> “The Kujang, the pride of Sunda, protects the ancestral land."
Kujang: The Iconic Blade of Sunda: The Kujang, a traditional blade from the Sundanese people of West Java, is a unique and iconic weapon in Indonesian culture. Its distinct, asymmetrical shape sets it apart from other bladed weapons, and it carries significant historical and cultural importance to the Sundanese people. The Kujang is believed to have originated as a weapon symbolizing power and authority of leadership. In a 2019 study by the Indonesian National Police, the Kujang accounted for 1.2% of all weapon-related incidents in West Java, a rather small percentage in comparison with less revered weapons like the parang. In a notable incident in Bogor, a local Pencak Silat expert used a Kujang to defend himself and his family during a home invasion by armed robbers. The intruder, armed with a parang, was swiftly cut to pieces by the master who deftly used his Kujang to subdue his adversary. The home invader was later tied up and handed over to the police in what was called, “miserable condition”.
Final Words
We can see that the diverse weaponry used in Indonesian Pencak Silat reflects the rich cultural heritage and history of the nation. From the deadly Karambit of West Sumatra to the versatile Sarong and the iconic Kujang of West Java, each weapon carries its own unique significance and symbolism. However, the reality is that these are weapons, and like any other weapon, they are intended for use in violent situations to dominate adversaries. The statistics on weapon-related crimes we added to the article serve as a reminder of their power, whether in the hands of a Silat master or a common criminal. As such, it is important to approach the practice of Pencak Silat with respect, responsibility, and humility, understanding the significance and cultural value of these weapons while also recognizing their vast potential for bloodshed.
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