Indonesia Open serves as crucial stage for young Indonesian players
Deputy Chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) Taufik Hidayat said young Indonesian players must seize the Polytron Indonesia Open 2026 as a platform to learn, develop, and measure their skills against the world’s best players.
According to Taufik, competing in a BWF World Tour Super 1000 event, especially in front of a home crowd at Istora Gelora Bung Karno in Senayan, Jakarta, is a crucial experience for the development and regeneration of Indonesian badminton.
“We hope young Indonesian athletes make the most of this opportunity. The Indonesia Open is an excellent platform for learning, growth, and assessing skills against the world’s top players. It is through such experiences that the foundation for future success is built,” Taufik said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday.
Indonesia has fielded several young players in the tournament, running from 2-7 June. In men’s singles, Alwi Farhan is among the main contenders after securing a spot in the main draw alongside Jonatan Christie.
Besides Alwi, Indonesia also has several young players on the reserve list, including Mohammad Zaki Ubaidillah (Ubed) and Prahdiska Bagas Shujiwo, who may enter the main draw if any main-list players withdraw.
In women’s singles, Indonesia relies on Putri Kusuma Wardani as the sole main-draw representative, while young talents such as Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan and Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi are on the reserve list.
Their presence complements Indonesia’s men’s doubles line-up, featuring Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, Leo Rolly Carnando and Daniel Marthin, as well as Muhammad Rian Ardianto and Rahmat Hidayat.
In women’s doubles, several young pairs including Rachel Allessya Rose and Febi Setianingrum, and Isyana Syahira Meida and Rinjani Kwinara Nastine have also been given opportunities to compete.
They will join other pairs such as Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti and Amallia Cahya Pratiwi, and Apriani Rahayu and Lanny Tria Mayasari.
In mixed doubles, young pairs like Jafar Hidayatullah and Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu, and Marwan Faza and Aisyah Salsabila Putri Pranata have also been given spots.
Additionally, Indonesia has entered Amri Syahnawi and Nita Violina Marwah, Adnan Maulana and Indah Cahya Sari Jamil, Dejan Ferdinansyah and Bernadine Anindya Wardani, Bobby Setiabudi and Melati Daeva Oktavianti, and Rehan Naufal Kusharjanto and Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja.
“Competition is becoming increasingly fierce and evenly matched. Therefore, our focus is not just on short-term results but ensuring Indonesian athletes continue to develop and gain experience competing at the highest level,” said Taufik, who has won the Indonesia Open six times.
The Polytron Indonesia Open 2026 will feature 248 athletes from 22 countries with a total prize pool of $1.45 million (approximately Rp25.8 billion).
For young Indonesian players, the tournament is a crucial test. They not only perform in front of a home crowd but also face the intense pressure of Istora and opponents from the world’s elite.
“The Indonesia Open is always a special tournament. Playing at Istora is not just about technical skills but also courage, mental strength, and readiness to handle pressure in front of a home crowd. That’s what makes this event unique,” said Taufik, who also serves as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports.