Pickleball Gains Popularity as PB IPF Expands with More Courts

Jakarta — Pickleball is growing in popularity among the public, with the Indonesian Pickleball Federation (PB IPF) expanding by opening several pickleball courts in South Jakarta and the tourist town of Cileungsi, West Java.

Deputy Chairman of PB IPF, Harlin Rahardjo, said the move was taken by the federation to provide space for the public to play pickleball.

“There are almost monthly inter-community championships on the pickleball courts. We will continue to push this across all provinces so that pickleball becomes more known and loved,” Harlin said in a press release on Thursday.

Going forward, PB IPF also aims to introduce pickleball into schools, as the sport is highly relevant to the school environment.

Harlin Rahardjo regards pickleball as highly relevant for the school setting. In terms of court size, pickleball courts are comparable to badminton, and the team-based format makes it an ideal option for developing student sport.

“Pickleball is suitable to be played in schools. We want there to be inter-school team championships, open to anyone. Through this, early youth development can grow across Indonesia,” Harlin said.

Harlin hopes the student pickleball ecosystem will develop as successfully as the school basketball leagues, with full support from teachers, coaches, headteachers, and local government. Therefore, Harlin invites all parties—including the media—to support the socialisation and development of pickleball in schools and areas.

“I need support from all parties, including fellow journalists, so that the socialisation reaches a wide and lively extent. The aim is simple: for pickleball to be known by the public, loved across ages, and to become part of Indonesia’s healthy lifestyle,” Harlin said.

During Ramadan, PB IPF invites the media to introduce pickleball as one of the alternative sports for ngabuburit while waiting for iftar.

“We want to introduce how to play, the rules, as well as the fun and excitement of this sport. Pickleball is suitable for ngabuburit because it is not too intense, does not drain energy, the movements are light, yet still active and healthy,” Harlin said.