KBRN, Sofia: Indonesian culture took center stage in Sofia, Bulgaria, last week, through a pencak silat workshop organized by Guardian’s Circle. The initiative was led by Bulgarian martial arts practitioner Georgi Valiavicharski, who has consistently promoted and preserved Indonesia’s traditional martial art in Bulgaria.

Indonesian Ambassador to Bulgaria, Listiana Operananta, expressed strong appreciation for Guardian’s Circle’s efforts. She emphasized that pencak silat is more than just a martial art; it is an integral part of Indonesia’s cultural identity, rich in philosophy, discipline, and life balance.

“The Embassy in Sofia welcomes Guardian’s Circle’s commitment to promoting and preserving pencak silat in Bulgaria. We remain open to supporting initiatives that positively introduce Indonesian culture to Bulgarian and European communities,” Ambassador Listiana said in her remarks.

The workshop drew around 30 participants, not only from Bulgaria but also from several other European countries. It also featured international guest instructor Alvin Guinanao from the Philippines.

Alvin, founder of the London-based organization Silat Buka Lingkaran (Silat Open Circle), has extensive experience training in Sumatra, Indonesia, where he studied pencak silat directly at its source.

Guardian’s Circle currently focuses on teaching silat rooted in West Java traditions. However, Valiavicharski noted that the organization is open to expanding and introducing other silat styles from across Indonesia, including Sumatra.

The opening ceremony also showcased a Dayak dance from Kalimantan, Hapenyang Mandau Apang Bintang Birang, which highlights martial elements. The performance was presented by the Embassy’s dance troupe, Pesona Mawar Nusantara (PMN).

“Through activities like Guardian’s Circle’s workshop, pencak silat becomes not only a sport and martial art, but also a cultural bridge that strengthens ties between Indonesia and the people of Bulgaria and Europe more broadly,” Ambassador Listiana concluded. (Diffa Sephiawardhani/Sri Wahyuni)