The International Pencak Silat Federation (IPSF) was established in 1980 as a commitment to unite various silat schools worldwide. This idea emerged from a meeting of prominent silat figures in Jakarta, who recognized the importance of an international organization to develop and preserve pencak silat as a martial art and cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. The initiative was supported by the Indonesian government, one of the origins of pencak silat, which saw its potential to strengthen international relations.

At its inception, IPSF aimed to promote pencak silat as an official sport on the global stage. A strategic move was organizing the first World Pencak Silat Championship in 1982. This event successfully garnered attention from the global martial arts community, accelerating the recognition of pencak silat internationally. Moreover, IPSF focused on developing standardized competition rules and systematic training programs to expand the reach of pencak silat.

Over time, IPSF has built an extensive network encompassing various continents, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. This success was due to the dedication of silat practitioners who consistently promoted the noble values of this martial art, such as brotherhood, discipline, and harmony. The growing membership of IPSF reflects the acceptance of pencak silat in various countries as a sport, art form, and cultural tradition.

Today, IPSF continues to innovate to elevate pencak silat to greater heights. One of its most significant achievements was the inclusion of pencak silat as a sport in the 2018 Asian Games. This milestone marked global recognition of pencak silat. IPSF is also actively advocating for pencak silat to become an official Olympic sport, aiming to ensure its preservation and growth for future generations.