The government of Catholic-majority Timor-Leste is pondering a complete ban on traditional martial arts, blaming it for ongoing gang violence between youth groups.

During a visit to Maliana Parish Church on June 26, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao reportedly expressed his frustrations over clashes involving youth in various parts of the country, and linked it to martial arts groups.

"Martial arts have caused many deaths and injuries, especially among young people who should be in school but instead get involved in violent groups. Our sense of nationalism is disappearing," local media reported, quoting Gusmao.

He said the government will take action "through law" by first bringing the matter to the attention of the Council of Ministers and then to the parliament.

He also admitted the failure of previous regulations to curb deadly clashes among youth.

Gusmao noted that the previous government legalized martial arts in an attempt to regulate the practice, but it failed.

He also cited the incident of violence and rioting in Bobonaro municipality, about 120 kilometers from the national capital Dili in 2023. During the violence, youth groups fought with each other and burned houses in the Lourba and Karabau areas.

The violence prompted a temporary ban on martial arts groups until April this year, reports say.

Critics say the ban is no solution to the failure to engage and support youth in the country.

Pedro Aparicio, secretary of banned martial arts group of Persatuan Setia Hati Terate Timor-Leste (PSHT-TL), called the government's approach emotional and ineffective.

"This closure reflects the government's inability to organize and guide the youth. Martial arts exist in many countries without such issues. This is not a martial arts problem, it's a problem of governance," he said.

Samuel, secretary of another martial arts group Ikatan Kera Sakti Putra Timor-Leste (IKSPTL), echoed similar concerns.

"If our hand is wounded, we don't cut it off, we treat it. The government has been using restrictive measures since 2013, yet violence continues. The root causes have not been addressed," he argued.

Both martial arts groups are rooted in the traditional Indonesian martial arts, Pencak Silat, and the traditional Chinese martial arts, Kung Fu.

Martial arts groups in Timor-Leste have an estimated 100,000 members.

Critics like Aparicio and Samuel, who goes by a single name, insist that more than combat martial arts teach discipline, respect, and community values.

A blanket ban could drive the practice underground, making it harder to monitor and control, and potentially worsening the situation, they warned.

Instead of dissolution, Samuel proposed the creation of a National Silat Consultative Council, which would include government representatives, cultural and religious leaders, and members from various martial arts organizations. The body would oversee martial arts activity nationwide, ensure ethical standards, and certify instructors, he added.

"The youth involved in martial arts are not threats, they are potential," he said. "With proper guidance, martial arts can be a national asset, not a liability."

The government under Xanana's leadership has clamped down on martial arts groups over the past decade, including disbanding and prohibition them from organizing training or recruitment.

Source: https://www.ucanews.com/news/timor-leste-mulls-martial-arts-ban-to-halt-youth-violence/10949