Indonesia Open 2026 Welcomes Fans with Closer Access to Badminton Stars
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Indonesian badminton players Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani and Putri Kusuma Wardani welcomed changes allowing fans closer access to athletes at the Polytron Indonesia Open 2026.
- The tournament, held June 2-7 in Jakarta, now features a dedicated 65-meter pathway for fans to interact with players.
- Organizers hope these changes will boost spectator interest and revive the atmosphere of Indonesian badminton at Istora Senayan.
At the Polytron Indonesia Open 2026 in Jakarta, a significant shift in fan engagement is underway. Tournament organizers have created a dedicated 65-meter pathway along the west side of Istora Senayan, allowing spectators unprecedented access to interact with badminton stars.
This new setup permits fans to take photos, ask for autographs, or simply greet their favorite players without needing special tickets. Previously, access to player areas was highly restricted, prioritizing athlete privacy. Now, fans can call out to players from behind a 1.2-meter high barrier, and players may emerge from the player lounge to meet them.
Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani, a men's doubles player, expressed pleasant surprise at the change, noting its potential to revitalize Indonesian badminton's appeal. "We know spectator interest has declined recently for watching badminton live at Istora," he stated. The increased accessibility has visibly dispersed crowds and fostered a more intimate fan experience.
Putri Kusuma Wardani echoed this positive sentiment, highlighting the opportunity for fans, especially those who cannot travel to international events, to connect with top global players. "There's no other chance for them to meet the idols they admire if not at the Indonesia Open," she said, deeming the overall changes "very good."
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.