EN.MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURAKARTA – Muhammadiyah athlete has once again brought international recognition to Indonesia. Kirana Tias Savira, a Tapak Suci martial artist and student at Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta (UMS), captured a gold medal for Indonesia at the 10th Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2026, held in Dong Nai, Vietnam from July 15–23 2026.
Kirana’s victory helped Indonesia finish as the tournament’s second overall champion, collecting six gold medals, four silver medals, and nine bronze medals. Of Indonesia’s six gold medals, one came from Kirana. She was the only UMS athlete selected to represent the Indonesian National Pencak Silat Team at the prestigious continental competition.
Nur Subekti, head coach of the Indonesian National Pencak Silat Team, said Kirana’s achievement reflects years of consistent athlete development that began when she first enrolled at the university.
“Kirana has long been one of the young athletes monitored by the national team. She earned her call-up after winning two consecutive national championships, namely the National Student Sports Week (POMNAS), which was hosted by UMS and the National Martial Arts Games (PON Bela Diri) in Kudus,” Subekti said in a press release received by the editorial team on Monday (27/7).
According to Subekti, preparations for the Asian Championship began well before the team departed for Vietnam. Since entering UMS through its Achievement Scholarship program, Kirana has followed a development program designed to balance academic excellence with athletic performance.
“From her very first semester, we prepared Kirana to maintain consistent results. This tournament in Vietnam marked her Asian-level debut. Alhamdulillah, she performed exactly as we had hoped,” he said.
A Strong Debut on the Continental Stage
Subekti noted that Kirana faced her toughest challenge in the opening round, where she met a Vietnamese athlete competing before a home crowd. Vietnam remains one of Asia’s traditional pencak silat powerhouses, making the contest especially demanding.
Despite the pressure, the Klaten native executed the coaching staff’s strategy with discipline and composure, ultimately delivering her best performance.
“The host nation naturally wanted to finish as overall champion, while Indonesia sent only selected top-performing athletes rather than a full team. Alhamdulillah, we still secured second place overall. Of Indonesia’s six gold medals, UMS contributed one through the only athlete we sent,” Subekti explained.
For Kirana, winning gold at the 10th Asian Pencak Silat Championship 2026 stands as one of the most memorable moments of her career because it marked her first appearance at a major international tournament.
“I was definitely nervous, and there was a lot of pressure. But I’m grateful I had the opportunity to represent Indonesia and contribute a gold medal,” she said.
The achievement has also strengthened her determination to compete at even higher levels. She hopes to once again wear Indonesia’s colors at the World Championship and the SEA Games.
“I hope I can represent Indonesia again at the World Championship or the SEA Games,” Kirana said.
From Elementary School to the National Team
Kirana’s journey in martial arts began in elementary school when she joined a Tapak Suci extracurricular program in the third grade. She steadily developed her skills through competitions, progressing from the Regional Student Sports Week (Popda) to the Student Education and Training Center (PPLP), before earning an Outstanding Achievement Scholarship at UMS and eventually breaking into Indonesia’s national team.
Despite her growing list of accomplishments, Kirana acknowledged that life as an elite athlete requires significant sacrifice. She must balance intensive training with university studies while also making time for family and maintaining a social life. Just as importantly, she has learned how to recover from setbacks.
For that reason, she encouraged young athletes not to treat defeat as the end of their journey.
“You have to make peace with yourself first. After that, get back up, rebuild your mindset, and regain the motivation to train and compete,” she advised.
Meanwhile, Subekti said Kirana’s success in Vietnam has significantly strengthened her prospects for future international competition. She has now entered Indonesia’s long-term national training program as one of the country’s leading prospects.
“After winning several major events, including this Asian Championship, Kirana has become a candidate for the long-term national training camp. She has already been listed for selection for the 2026 World Championship and is also being prepared for the 2027 SEA Games. In terms of results, everything has gone according to plan,” he concluded. (Bhisma)
