Indonesian traditional martial art Silat Beksi is set to be included in the school curriculum in Tangerang as local content.

The martial art is being introduced in elementary and junior high school students as an extracurricular activity. 

According to the Tangerang Education and Culture Agency, the inclusion of Silat Beksi aims to preserve local culture as not much of the younger generation know about the martial art, despite it being part of the region's cultural heritage.

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"Silat Beksi combines both Chinese and Betawi cultures. Developed by Lie Cheng Oek, a man with Chinese heritage who used to live in Tangerang, the word 'beksi' originally came from the Chinese language and means 'four defenses'," said Education and Cultural Agency head Nurul Huda as quoted by Antara news agency.

In addition to the aforementioned schools, the agency has plans to introduce Silat Beksi to senior high and vocational schools as well.

Previously, a welcome dance named Lenggang Cisadane has been introduced as part of the school curriculum in the region. (wir/kes)