CCN, Kudus —The National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI) Central Board has encouraged the implementation of digital scoring systems in Shorinji Kempo competitions to ensure fairness, objectivity of results, and athlete safety.
This statement was delivered by KONI Central Chairman, Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Marciano Norman, during a press conference at the PON Martial Arts II 2025 Media Center, held at GOR Djarum Foundation, Kudus, Central Java, on Tuesday (October 21).
“At the moment, the best and safest martial arts sport in terms of competition judging is Taekwondo, as it has already adopted digitalization. We need to continue improving toward a better direction,” said Marciano.
Therefore, moving forward, digital scoring systems are expected to be implemented not only in Shorinji Kempo, but also in Tarung Derajat and other martial arts disciplines.
The adoption of digital technology ensures fair judgment, objective results, and athlete safety. Moreover, if a sport aspires to be included in the Olympic Games, digital transformation is a necessity, not an option.
“If we continue using manual scoring, it means we are clinging to outdated practices in this modern era. Sports, too, must evolve,” Marciano emphasized.
Echoing this view, KONI Central Deputy Chairman I, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Suwarno, also called on martial arts federations such as Shorinji Kempo and Tarung Derajat to embrace change.
“We have always engaged in discussions both in the field and in various forums, all aiming for positive changes in the future,” said Suwarno.
He added that many aspects of the current competition and judging systems still need improvement to better fulfill the sense of fairness.
As an example, he cited the determination of winners through overtime, where the first athlete to score a point is declared the victor — a system that still requires refinement to ensure just outcomes. (***)
