RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The development of Indonesian muaythai has been identified as a burgeoning force in the international martial arts arena by Vice-President of the World Muaythai Council (WMC) Stephan Fox.

Speaking at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Indonesia office in Jakarta on Sunday, January 18, 2026, Fox noted that the sport is evolving "step by step" toward becoming one of the best in the world.

This positive trajectory is attributed to the strong cultural parallels between Thailand’s muaythai and Indonesia’s pencak silat, creating a solid foundation for future international success.

"Step by step, I am confident that Indonesian Muaythai has great potential to become one of the best in the world. Indonesia is a sports-loving nation and country," Fox said in his remarks at a meeting with NOC Indonesia President Raja Sapta Oktohari, as quoted by

Fox noted that muaythai is growing rapidly in Indonesia due to the strong cultural affinity the country shares with martial arts. "There is a cultural proximity between the two countries of origin, Indonesia with pencak silat and Thailand with muaythai," he remarked.

He added that the Indonesian Muaythai Federation has performed exceptionally well by participating in prestigious events such as the Asian Youth Games and the Islamic Solidarity Games. According to Fox, these achievements serve as a vital foundation for Indonesian muaythai to progress further on the global stage.

Raja Sapta Oktohari stated that muaythai is an integral part of the martial arts ecosystem that continues to flourish in Indonesia. He emphasized that Indonesia is a nation with a deeply rooted tradition in martial arts.

he also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting sports federations, including muaythai, to ensure they grow professionally and achieve international success.

"Global achievement and recognition do not come instantly; they require consistent coaching, tiered competitions, and support across all stakeholders. We are optimistic that Indonesian muaythai is on the right track," he concluded. ***