Silat Cimande: The Legendary Martial Art of Indonesia

Martial Arts: Silat Cimande is one of the oldest Pencak Silat styles in Indonesia, influencing numerous silat schools within the country and even abroad. Various versions explain its origins, but all Maenpo Cimande communities agree that its founder was Abah Khaer (also written as Kaher, Kahir, Kair, or Kaer). The title “Abah” in Indonesian translates to “Great Grandfather” in English. However, debates persist about Abah Khaer’s origins and where he learned Maenpo.

Origins of Silat Cimande

According to Mr. Rifai, a Silat Cimande Panca Sakti teacher in Jakarta (1993), the first system of Cimande Pencak Silat was developed by a cleric named Mbah Kahir. He was a highly respected martial arts master and introduced silat techniques to his students in the mid-18th century (around 1169 in the Islamic calendar). Consequently, he is considered the first teacher of Cimande Silat. The legendary Betawi hero, Si Pitung, is also believed to have been trained in this style. Currently, it is estimated that Silat Cimande has around 4.8 million practitioners throughout Indonesia.

Different Versions of Cimande’s History

First Version

This version is prevalent in the eastern Priangan region (Garut, Tasikmalaya, and southern Cianjur). According to this version, Abah Khaer learned silat from his wife. He was a merchant from Bogor in the 17th to 18th centuries who frequently traveled between Batavia, Bogor, Cianjur, Bandung, and Sumedang. During his travels, he was often robbed until his wife discovered something valuable.

One evening, when Abah Khaer returned home, his wife was absent, which was unusual. He became anxious and hungry while waiting. When she finally returned late at night, he was both relieved and angry, demanding to know where she had been. In his frustration, he attempted to slap her, but she skillfully evaded his attacks, causing him to lose balance. Each time he tried to hit her, she effortlessly dodged. Exhausted, he asked her where she had learned such movements.

She explained that while fetching water by the river, she had witnessed a fight between a tiger and two monkeys—one of which wielded a tree branch. Fascinated, she observed the fight until dusk, memorizing the movements. She then practiced the techniques by herself. When defending against Abah Khaer, she instinctively used what she had learned. Impressed, he asked her to teach him, thinking it would be beneficial to remember and refine the techniques. He temporarily ceased trading to master the moves and later used them to fend off robbers, building his reputation as a martial artist.

Techniques Derived from Animal Movements

• Pamacan (Tiger Technique): Focused on powerful strikes and fluid defensive movements.
• Pamonyet (Monkey Technique): This technique is rare today and considered almost extinct.
• Pepedangan (Swordplay Technique): Inspired by the monkey using a tree branch.

Although this version leans towards legend, the existence of these techniques in Cimande is well-documented. The influence of this myth also explains why women in certain regions actively learn and teach Cimande to their children and grandchildren.

Second Version

This version, supported by silat communities in western Java (Banten, Serang, Sukabumi, Tangerang), states that Abah Khaer was a martial artist from the Badui community. He was believed to be a descendant of Abah Bugis, a war strategist from the ancient Padjadjaran Kingdom.

The elders of the Badui community became concerned as many fighters from outside the region sought to challenge Abah Khaer, often leading to fatal duels. Death in battle was considered a “pollution” of the sacred Badui land. Consequently, the Badui leader (Pu’un) asked Abah Khaer to leave the community. To protect their secrets, he was instructed to deny his Badui origins. Moreover, Badui martial arts were henceforth prohibited from being taught or displayed to outsiders.

After leaving Badui, Abah Khaer settled in Cimande, Bogor. He vowed to refine his fighting techniques to avoid unnecessary killings, emphasizing self-defense and the protection of humanity. In keeping with his ethical values, early Cimande teachers refused monetary payments from students, only accepting gifts like rice, chickens, sugar, or tobacco as a token of respect.

Third Version

This version has the most historical documentation and is supported by Abah Khaer’s descendants in Tarik Kolot, Cimande (Bogor). However, it leaves some mysteries unresolved, such as the identity of the true originator of Maenpo Cimande.

Abah Khaer is said to have been a student of Abah Buyut, though “Buyut” in Sundanese translates to “ancestor.” In Tarik Kolot, the ancestral graves of Maenpo Cimande figures—Abah Buyut, Abah Rangga, and Abah Khaer—are located.

Initially, Abah Khaer was a merchant (dealing in horses and other goods) who frequently traveled to Batavia. His journeys were perilous, involving not only bandits but also wild animals like tigers and leopards. These encounters shaped his survival-based martial arts. In Batavia, he befriended and exchanged techniques with Chinese and Sumatran martial artists, further enhancing his skills.

In the late 18th to early 19th century, Cianjur’s ruler, Regent Rd. Aria Wiratanudatar VI (1776–1813), heard of Abah Khaer’s prowess and invited him to become the royal martial arts instructor. He trained the regent’s family and warriors, including his son, Rd. Aria Wiranagara (later known as Aria Cikalong). One of his notable descendants later developed a powerful new style.

After the regent’s death in 1813, Abah Khaer followed his son, Rd. Aria Natanagara, to Bogor, where he permanently settled in Tarik Kolot, Cimande, until his death in 1825. His five children and numerous students spread Maenpo Cimande across West Java.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Although there are no surviving images of Abah Khaer, he was described as wearing a black kampret (loose tunic) and black pangsi (traditional pants), with a red headband. His martial art demonstrations were said to be expressive and tireless, his footwork light as if floating above the stage, and his movements perfectly synchronized with the rhythmic drums (kendang). This powerful and mesmerizing presence became legendary, and stories of his prowess continue to be told.

Today, Cimande remains a foundational style in Pencak Silat, deeply respected and practiced in various forms across Indonesia and internationally. Its legacy lives on, preserving the wisdom and warrior spirit of its ancestors.