THE ART OF MOVEMENT. THE ART OF SELF.
Strength begins with stillness.
Yogyakarta, established 2 April 1963
Three pairs of lacing holes near the neck recall God, nature, and the world. Their number also recalls the three Members’ Pledges.
The five-sided neckline represents Pancasila. The uniform reminds members to uphold Indonesia’s national foundation and put its values into practice.
MP is on the wearer’s left chest, IPSI on the right. They identify the school and its connection with the Indonesian pencak silat community.
Four principles of character and conduct that every member must uphold and practise.
From a white belt to Inti II. Explore the stripes and emblem that mark each stage of training.
Plain red
Developing basic movement.
Represents sincerity and openness, with a red collar completing the uniform’s identity.
Represents steadfastness.
Worn from Dasar II onward; five lines of stitching are linked to Pancasila.
Each grade is attained through practice and an instructor’s guidance.
The name draws on the Javanese phrase Mersudi Patitising Tindak Pusakane Titising Hening: seeking truth with a quiet mind.
“My contribution may be modest, but my sincerity is real.”
An editorial translation of the school’s motto
Knowledge grows with humility. Stillness guides our actions.
An unarmed martial arts school from Yogyakarta, guided by a philosophy of seeking truth with a quiet mind.
Founded
The school’s founding date.
Rooted in
The city where the school was established.
Full name
Perguruan Pencak Silat Beladiri Tangan Kosong Merpati Putih: an Indonesian school of unarmed pencak silat.
Pencak silat network
Merpati Putih is part of Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia.
The school’s emblem carries meanings of civic principles, resolve, peace and humility.
Choose a number to highlight and zoom into an emblem element.
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Five-sided outline | The pentagonal shape represents Pancasila as the school’s foundation. |
| 2. Red border | The red outline represents unity within the Merpati Putih family in preserving and developing Indonesian culture. |
| 3. Blue ground | Blue represents peace in our relationships, from our local communities to friendships across nations. |
| 4. Javanese-inspired lettering | The lettering points to the knowledge’s Javanese roots. BETAKO abbreviates unarmed self-defence. |
| 5. Black palm | The black hand represents steadfastness and the spirit of mutual cooperation. |
| 6. Yellow outline | The yellow outline represents the flourishing of the school’s knowledge. |
| 7. The bowing dove | Like ripened rice bending low, learning is expected to nurture humility and calmness. |
| 8. Red ribbon, white lettering | Red and white represent courage grounded in purity of intention. |
From knowledge passed down through generations to a school that grows with its members.
Traditional roots
Merpati Putih knowledge was passed down through generations within the Mataram royal household.
Sang Guru
Sang Guru passed his knowledge to his sons Poerwoto Hadi Poernomo (Mas Poeng) and Budi Santoso Hadi Poernomo (Mas Budi), known as the Guru Besar.
1962
The teacher entrusted his sons with sharing and developing the family’s knowledge for the wider community.
1963
PPS Betako Merpati Putih was established on 2 April in Yogyakarta.
1968–1970s
The Madiun branch developed in 1968, followed by expansion in Jakarta and training for security and military units in the 1970s.
National network
Merpati Putih joined the IPSI community in developing Indonesian pencak silat.
1999 / 2000
Merpati Putih began developing in Utah in 1999, followed by academy licensing in October 2000.
2026
The national grading examination and tradition gathering took place at Parangkusumo on 11 July 2026, bringing members together in training and reflection.
Our training brings together movement, breath, sensitivity, and self-control.
Breathing practice accompanies physical training from the basic grades, without mantras, incense, or ritual empowerment.
Movement training develops coordinated steps and techniques for self-defence.
Getaran practice explores sensitivity to objects and obstacles through progressive, instructor-led training.
Training builds stamina and develops physical ability. Breaking demonstrations require preparation and an instructor’s guidance.
Applications in healing are studied under specialised guidance. Health diagnosis and treatment remain the responsibility of medical professionals.
Training progresses under an instructor’s guidance according to each member’s grade and readiness.
Training groups provide a place to practise; shared traditions connect members with the school’s history.
Regular practice takes place in local training groups, or kolat. Contact the group’s organisers to find a suitable schedule and class.
The Suro tradition at Parangkusumo brings members together for training and reflection on the school’s values. Dates follow the organisers’ schedule.
The heritage walk through the Menoreh hills invites members to retrace the school’s journey. Routes and dates follow the event programme.
Members’ pledges and the teacher’s guidance place moral responsibility within everyday life.
Four principles of character and conduct that every member must uphold and practise.
Act with honesty and show compassion towards all living beings.
Build confidence in your abilities through practice and faith in the greatness of God.
Keep your attitude, words, and actions in harmony with your surroundings.
Live these three principles to nurture and deepen devotion to God Almighty.
Members uphold peace, practise self-control, and use their martial skills responsibly.
The school’s emblems and insignia are treated with respect and used in accordance with organisational rules.
Our teaching and organisational bodies work alongside one another to preserve our heritage, support members, and develop the school.
The highest authority over Merpati Putih’s inherited knowledge: Nehemia Budi Setyawan, son of the late Mas Budi, and the descendants of the late Amos Priono Tri Nugroho, son of the late Mas Poeng.
Advises and supports the Ahli Waris and Dewan Guru.
Assists the Ahli Waris in developing and overseeing teaching at every level. Since the 2022 national congress, all members hold equal standing as Members of the Dewan Guru, with no chair position.
The National Board manages organisational affairs, administration, sporting achievement, and external relations. It works through regional, branch, special branch, and training group boards.
2023–2028 term
Supports training, examinations, and consistent teaching.
Candidates for the Dewan Guru support team.
Championships, demonstrations, and shared activities are part of our journey in developing pencak silat.
MP BINUS athletes earned medals at Paku Bumi Open IV in February 2018.
Merpati Putih achieved the “151 Dragon” MURI record in 2021.
The 2024 Merpati Putih National Championship was opened by the Minister of Youth and Sports.
Brief answers to common questions. Training and membership arrangements should be confirmed with the local group.
Find a training groupAn Indonesian school of unarmed pencak silat established in Yogyakarta on 2 April 1963.
Merpati Putih brings together Mersudi Patitising Tindak Pusakane Titising Hening: seeking truth with a quiet mind.
Our training centres on physical and breathing practice, without mantras, incense, or ritual empowerment.
Sang Guru Saring Hadi Poernomo passed his knowledge to his sons, Poerwoto and Budi Santoso Hadi Poernomo. They developed the school as its Guru Besar.
Grades mark stages of education and identification, from Dasar I to Inti II. The school’s guidelines define the curriculum.
Each training group sets its own schedule. Contact the organisers for available days, times, and classes.
Contact your local training group to find the appropriate age group and class for a prospective member.
We use the terms member and pesilat for participants in the school’s activities and education.
The red belt is worn from Dasar II. Its five lines of stitching represent Pancasila, while the stripe colour marks the grade.
Contact a regional board, branch or training group through its organisational channel. Ask about schedules, requirements, fees and registration before attending.
Suro, a month in the Javanese calendar, is part of the school’s traditions. Gatherings follow the dates announced by the organisers.
Every school has its own history and approach. We uphold fellowship, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to preserving pencak silat.
Start by contacting your nearest training group. Its organisers will explain the classes, equipment, and registration process.
Find a local training group, speak with its organisers, and follow their guidance on getting started.
Search training groups by name or address, or find a branch in your area.
Confirm admission ages, schedules, fees and equipment.
Follow the local admission process and the trainer’s guidance.
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Explore the terms used in our training and organisation.
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