by Hayati Nupus
JAKARTA, May 7 (Xinhua) -- More than 50 participants stood in neat rows in the courtyard of Southeast Asia's largest mosque, Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.
With slow and focused movements, they were practicing qigong, a traditional Chinese discipline that combines gentle movements, breathing techniques, and meditation in a calming harmony.
Under the clear afternoon sky, they moved silently as if dancing, raising their arms and moving their bodies in sync with their breath, creating a peaceful atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the hustle and bustle of the metropolitan city.
Held regularly every Thursday for a full hour, this qigong session is open to the public free of charge as part of the commemoration of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and China.
The training was organized by the Shaolin Indonesia Foundation in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy and Istiqlal Mosque. Initially limited to just 50 participants, the quota was increased after registrations exceeded 100 people.
Leading the training was 38-year-old Shi Yanhao, a Chinese instructor assisted by local trainers.
"Qigong is about aligning the body, breath, and mind. It is suitable for all ages and requires no equipment," Shi told Xinhua after a recent session.
Under his guidance, the Shaolin Indonesia Foundation has introduced Shaolin culture to various schools and communities across Indonesia over the past decade, witnessing growing enthusiasm for Eastern martial arts and holistic wellness.
Shaolin teachings, including kung fu and meditation, have become widely known through cultural performances, films, and martial arts training introduced by the Chinese-Indonesian community and independent practitioners.
Although not as popular as local martial arts like pencak silat, Shaolin has found a place in the hearts of many Indonesians, especially in major cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and Medan.
After the qigong session, the Shaolin Indonesia Foundation planned to open kung fu, tai chi and meditation classes, each lasting two months, in the courtyard of Istiqlal Mosque.
Participants came from diverse backgrounds, including workers, business people, homemakers, and retirees, all taking time out of their routines to join.
One of them was Siti Maryam, aged 37, an administrative staff member in Central Jakarta who joined the session because qigong is known for its many benefits, including improved strength and balance, as well as reduced stress and anxiety.
"After the session, my mind feels more at ease, and I sleep very well at night. I want to join regularly to relieve stress after work and improve my long-term health," she said.
Matthew Marsell, a 34-year-old printing business owner from East Jakarta, even entrusted his business to his staff, so he could regularly attend qigong practice. He felt the training balanced out his more intense physical activities like mountain climbing and parkour.
"I'm also interested in joining the kung fu class later. Since I was a kid, I've loved movies like Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer. One day I hope to visit the Shaolin Temple in China and the Great Wall of China to train there," he said enthusiastically.
Amid the fast-paced and high-pressure rhythm of metropolitan city life, qigong offers people a moment of pause to return to their breath, slow down, and rediscover calm. Enditem
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