Indonesia Open serves as catalyst to rejuvenate national badminton ecosystem

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Polytron Indonesia Open 2026 serves as a catalyst to rejuvenate Indonesia’s badminton ecosystem through a world-class tournament integrating performance, development, entertainment, and national sports industry support. PBSI Chairman M. Fadil Imran stated that the BWF World Tour 1000 tournament is not just a competition for the world’s elite players but a shared platform for all elements of Indonesian badminton. ‘We are grateful and appreciate the support of all strategic partners, sponsors, clubs, coaches, athletes, media, communities, and badminton enthusiasts who continue to work together to support the advancement of Indonesian badminton,’ Fadil said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday. The Indonesia Open 2026 will take place at Istora Gelora Bung Karno in Senayan, Jakarta, from 2-7 June. A total of 248 athletes from 22 countries will compete for a prize pool of $1.45 million (approximately Rp25.8 billion). Fadil said Indonesia Open is a clear example of the importance of mutual cooperation in sustaining the national badminton ecosystem. ‘PBSI is the big home of Indonesian badminton. Therefore, we believe the success of organising such a large tournament is never built by one party alone, but by the spirit of mutual cooperation across the entire ecosystem,’ he said. He added that sponsors play a role in delivering world-class organisation, PBSI oversees development and governance, athletes get the best stage, and the public gains the experience of watching badminton live. Fadil also stated that successful organisation and performance must go hand in hand. PBSI continues to prioritise athlete development and regeneration as a major task towards key agendas, including the 2026 Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. ‘A good event and strong development must proceed together,’ he said. Indonesia will field several top players, including Jonatan Christie, Putri Kusuma Wardani, Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, Amallia Cahya Pratiwi/Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti, Alwi Farhan, Raymond Indra/Nikolaus Joaquin, and Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu. Fadil also praised recent positive developments by Indonesian representatives, including the men’s doubles pair Fajar/Fikri finishing as runners-up at the Singapore Open and Alwi reaching the men’s singles semifinals at the Super 750 tournament last week. He said these results give optimism that the regeneration and strengthening of Indonesian badminton performance continue to move in a positive direction. ‘Organisational success is ecosystem success. Performance success is the result of a long process we must build together,’ Fadil said. Meanwhile, PBSI First Vice Chairman Taufik Hidayat said Indonesia Open always holds special significance for Indonesian players as they compete before their home crowd with unique pressures. ‘Indonesia Open is always a special tournament. Playing at Istora is not just about technical ability, but also courage, mental strength, and readiness to face pressure in front of the home crowd. That is what makes this tournament unique,’ Taufik said. Taufik noted that global badminton competition is becoming increasingly intense and evenly matched. Therefore, he hopes Indonesian players, especially young athletes, can use Indonesia Open as an opportunity to measure their abilities against the world’s best. He added that such a major tournament serves as a crucial learning ground for young Indonesian athletes to build competitive mentality and experience at the highest level. ‘We hope young Indonesian athletes make the most of this opportunity. Indonesia Open is an excellent stage to learn, develop, and test abilities against the world’s best. It is through processes like this that future performance foundations are built,’ Taufik said.