Hangtuah Jakarta Explores Collaboration with Perth Wildcats
Hangtuah Jakarta conducted a strategic visit to the home of the most successful team in the Australian Basketball League (NBL), the Perth Wildcats, to build international partnerships and facilitate knowledge transfer. The delegation, led by Hangtuah Jakarta Club President Harryadin Mahardika, along with CEO Kurniawan Santoso and Commissioner Nigel Hembrow, had the opportunity to observe the Wildcats’ operational standards firsthand, from training sessions to matchday management.
Harryadin Mahardika emphasized that this step is part of the club’s grand vision after undergoing a change of ownership in October 2025.
“This visit to Perth is not just about attending a game, but a strategic step for us to absorb global best practices. We want to lay the foundation for long-term collaboration to accelerate the club’s professionalization and support the revival of Indonesian basketball,” said Harryadin Mahardika in Perth, Australia, on Thursday (February 26, 2026).
During the visit, the Hangtuah delegation had the opportunity to witness a thrilling match between the Perth Wildcats and the Adelaide 36ers at the RAC Arena, which was attended by more than 13,000 spectators. The atmosphere of professionalism and the high standards of the NBL served as a benchmark for Hangtuah to improve the level of competition in the domestic league in Indonesia.
In a symbolic gesture, Harryadin Mahardika also exchanged jerseys with the CEO and owner of the Perth Wildcats, Mark Arena, as a sign of the good relationship between the two organizations.
“Experiencing the NBL atmosphere firsthand gives us a clear benchmark for professionalism and world-class standards. The competitive culture and winning mindset of the Wildcats are an inspiration for us in strengthening the player development framework at Hangtuah,” added Harryadin.
In addition to activities on the court, the delegation also visited the Bendat Basketball Centre, the Wildcats’ operational center, to discuss four potential areas of cooperation, namely the exchange of technical knowledge and coaching, pathways for developing young players, opportunities for exhibition matches between countries, and commercial and business partnerships.
Harryadin explained that as a club based in Jakarta, Hangtuah is committed to being a gateway for the advancement of basketball in Southeast Asia. This international collaboration is expected to have a domino effect on improving the standards of the national league and developing young talent in the country.
“We believe that true growth is not only built on the court, but also through visionary leadership and the courage to engage on the global stage,” he concluded. (E-3)