Susanto Megaranto Wins Japfa FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2026

Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto claimed victory in the open category of the Japfa FIDE Rated Chess Tournament 2026, which concluded in Jakarta on Tuesday, 26 May. The title provides crucial momentum for Susanto ahead of this week’s Asian Championships in Mongolia.

Susanto secured top position with 7.5 points from nine rounds, ahead of GM Novendra Priasmoro in second with 6.5 points. IM Tirta Chandra Purnama took third place with the same score, while IM Satria Duta Cahaya and Stevanky followed with 6.5 and 6 points respectively.

For Susanto, such FIDE-rated tournaments are vital for maintaining competitive atmosphere and elevating national chess standards. The senior player described the Jakarta event as a warm-up for the Asian Championships.

“This type of rated tournament is excellent for expanding the experience of our national players,” Susanto said.

“Especially for me, as preparation for the Asian Championships in Mongolia,” he added.

Susanto also noted positive signs in Indonesia’s younger chess talents, though they still require more experience in official FIDE events. He identified his eighth-round match against Stevanky as the toughest challenge on his path to victory.

“The most difficult match was probably against Stevanky in round eight. That was key to becoming champion,” he explained.

In the challenger category, Sudung Tampubolon won with 8 points, followed by Jalaludin Al Mubarok and Maximiliano Marrhuimawan, both on 7.5 points.

Iwan Ng, Head of Internal Audit at Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, praised the collaboration with PB Percasi for the smooth running of the tournament. He expressed pride that two players from the Japfa Chess Club secured first and third places in the open category, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting national chess development.

“From Japfa’s perspective, we’re pleased that two players from our chess club achieved first and third places in the open category,” he said.

“I believe Japfa remains committed to supporting chess activities; at the very least, similar-level events will continue,” Ng added.

The company also highlighted the importance of providing competition opportunities for disabled players, with several para chess participants taking part.

“That’s good for supporting disabled participants; we will continue to offer them maximum opportunities,” Ng said.

PB Percasi Vice Chairman Pandapotan Sinaga noted increasing public interest in chess over recent years, viewing the emergence of young players in the open category as a positive sign.

“Looking at the open category, many young players have emerged, such as Satria Duta, Aditya, and Stevanky. As Santo mentioned, his toughest challenge was actually the young Stevanky,” he said.

Sinaga also confirmed that the new Percasi leadership will encourage more young players to compete internationally to boost their Elo ratings and produce new Indonesian grandmasters.

“We will push them to compete abroad to raise their Elo ratings and produce new grandmasters,” he stated.

The Japfa FIDE Rated 2026 tournament attracted 350 players from eight countries: Indonesia, Germany, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy, and Uzbekistan, with a total prize pool of Rp180 million.

Percasi Chairman Utut Adianto plans to meet Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir following Indonesia’s national team’s recent loss to Iraq.