IDO MOVEMENT FOR CULTURE

Background. Pencak silat, a traditional Indonesian martial art, embodies a holistic philosophy integrating physical discipline, moral values, and social harmony. Beyond its athletic dimensions, it functions as a cultural medium for shaping psychosocial development and emotional regulation among youth.
Problem and aim. Rising adolescent aggressiveness presents a public health concern influenced by cultural, psychological, and social factors. This study explores the philosophical essence of pencak silat as a potential psychosocial intervention to mitigate aggressiveness and strengthen emotional self-control.
Material and methods. Using a qualitative approach, the study applied philosophical hermeneutics and literature analysis to examine primary texts, oral traditions, and scholarly sources concerning pencak silat ethics, pedagogy, and community practices. Key principles (self-discipline, respect, and harmony) were interpreted within a psychosocial framework.
Results. Findings reveal that pencak silat promotes self-awareness, empathy, and pro-social behavior through its spiritual and communal teachings. The discipline’s moral codes (“budi pekerti luhur”) encourage internal balance and conflict resolution through reflective rather than reactive behavior. These elements align with the preventive dimensions of psychosocial intervention models targeting emotional regulation.
Conclusions. The philosophy of pencak silat holds significant potential as a culturally grounded framework for developing adolescent psychosocial resilience. Integrating its core values into educational and behavioral programs could strengthen preventive efforts against youth aggressiveness while preserving cultural identity.