BLITAR – Hundreds of members of the martial arts organization PSHT staged a protest at the Blitar Regency Legislative Council on Thursday. They demanded legal clarity over a long-running dispute within the organization.
The demonstrators gathered outside the DPRD office in Kanigoro. They urged local authorities to resolve the dualism conflict that has continued for nearly a decade in Blitar Regency.
Protesters said the unresolved dispute has created confusion, tension, and repeated clashes between rival factions. Many members also expressed frustration over the lack of a permanent solution.
Tugas Naggolo Putro, chairman of the PSHT branch in Blitar Regency, said the demonstration represented the concerns of members who have waited years for legal certainty.
“We want the Blitar administration to take firm action against unofficial PSHT organizations that use our name,” said Tugas, who is also known as Bagas.
According to Bagas, other groups that claim affiliation with PSHT continue operating actively at branch and sub-branch levels. Some groups have even received permits for activities from local police authorities.
Bagas questioned why organizations that he considers illegal can still organize public events openly. He said his organization already holds legal recognition.
“Other groups continue holding large-scale events while using the name of our organization,” he said.
He also revealed that tensions between rival groups often escalate during encounters on the streets. The prolonged dispute has made it harder for organizers to control members and prevent friction.
Bagas claimed his group has faced intimidation, intervention, bullying, and physical violence during the past nine years. He described the protest as the first major public action aimed at demanding intervention from regional authorities.
“We demand legal protection and firm action against fake PSHT groups so there will no longer be dualism,” he added.
The peaceful rally lasted nearly three hours. Protesters started the demonstration at 9 a.m. local time and ended around noon.
Participants delivered speeches throughout the protest. After leaving the DPRD office, they continued their march to the Blitar Regency KONI office on Sudanco Supriyadi Street in Blitar City.
Blitar Police Chief AKBP Rivanda said regional leaders would soon hold a coordination meeting under the direction of the Blitar regent. Police officials and legislative leaders are currently arranging the discussion schedule.
Meanwhile, Blitar Regency DPRD Chairman Supriadi said the council remains open to hearing public aspirations. He stressed that authorities want to find a positive solution for all sides.
“We will immediately coordinate with the Blitar regent regarding the demands from PSHT members. I ask everyone to remain patient while we arrange the coordination process,” Supriadi said.
The PSHT dispute in Blitar has continued for years and reflects broader tensions that have appeared in several regions across Indonesia. Local authorities now face growing pressure to provide legal clarity and prevent future conflict between rival groups.