The PSHT is the first of its kind in Indonesia. It was established in the year 1922, as a local organization to assist the government in the fight against piracy. The organization was named after the first word in the Indonesian language, which means "pencak" or "silat" and is an allusion to the seafaring heritage of the people of the area. The name was changed to PSHT in 1993, to reflect the philosophy of the organization.

Since its inception, PSHT has been involved in many national wars, including the Indonesian Revolution, the Malayan Revolution, and the Second World War. During the Second World War, the organization was occupied by the British. It was the first organization to be established in Indonesia after the war, and has since been active in promoting the principles of the Indonesian Revolution.