RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - The 2026 Daihatsu Indonesia Masters officially opened this morning at Istora Gelora Bung Karno (GBK), Senayan, Jakarta, bringing together 274 athletes from 21 countries in one of the year’s most anticipated badminton tournaments.

Part of the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500, the event runs from January 20–25 and offers a prize pool of USD 500,000 (around IDR 8 billion).

Top international stars, including China’s Chen Yu Fei and Malaysia’s men’s doubles pair Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, are competing alongside Indonesia’s leading players such as Jonatan Christie, Putri Kusuma Wardani, and Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri.

Rising talents Alwi Farhan, Moh Zaki Ubaidillah, and mixed doubles duo Jafar Hidayatullah/Felisha Alberta Nathaniel Pasaribu are also set to test their skills on the Istora stage.

The tournament enjoys strong backing from sponsors including Daihatsu, HSBC, Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation, Kopi Tubruk Gadjah, Hydroplus, Tiket.com, Blibli, Victor, Etihad Airways, Le Minerale, Indomie, and MNC Group.

Chairman of the organizing committee, Achmad Budiharto, confirmed Indonesia’s readiness to host the event. “Overall, the Daihatsu Indonesia Masters 2026 is ready," he said at a press conference on Monday, January 19, 2026, as quoted on the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) official website.

"We have ensured the venue, athlete facilities, and entertainment activities for spectators are all in place,” he continued, adding that that top players from China, South Korea, Japan, and Denmark will compete, promising a highly competitive tournament.

Beyond the matches, the event will feature sportainment activities designed to enhance the fan experience. Budiharto emphasized that the tournament aims to be a “people’s festival,” accessible to all badminton enthusiasts with affordable ticket prices and engaging activities.

“This event is not just about competition; it is also a moment to reignite national pride and love for badminton, a sport that has brought Indonesia international recognition,” he said.

HSBC, now in its ninth year of support, reaffirmed its commitment to Indonesian badminton.

“We see badminton not only as a competition but as a journey that builds character, discipline, and life skills. Through this event, we hope to inspire young people to learn, grow, and dream bigger,” HSBC Indonesia’s Head of Customer Propositions and Marketing, Fransisca Kallista Arnan, said.

Indonesia is optimistic about its chances. PBSI’s Head of Development and Achievement, Eng Hian, said preparations have been gradual and integrated across all sectors.

“Our focus is on physical conditioning after last year’s tournaments, sharpening technical and tactical aspects based on opponents, and ensuring mental readiness for the new season,” he explained.

PBSI has set a target of two titles, with men’s doubles seen as the strongest medal prospect. “Certain sectors, especially men’s doubles, have higher chances based on performance, squad depth, and pair stability,” Eng Hian noted.

Other categories will also be encouraged to push through to the final stages with a step-by-step, realistic approach.

The competition is expected to deliver intense and unpredictable matches, reflecting the increasingly narrow skill gap at the Super 500 level.

“Global competition is now more open. Many unseeded players consistently challenge top-ranked athletes, making every match potentially intense from the early rounds,” Eng Hian said.

“Indonesia still has opportunities across all categories, depending on consistency, strategic intelligence, and the ability to manage pressure and momentum," he added.

Tickets are available via Tiket.com, Blibli, and on-site at Istora GBK. Live coverage begins Tuesday, January 20, through PBSI’s YouTube channel, Djarum Badminton’s website, and MNC Group broadcasts (RCTI and INews). ***