News & Stories
Apr 1, 2025
Pickleball is making waves in Indonesia, thanks to the efforts of the Indonesian Pickleball Federation (FPI). Since its introduction in 2019, this dynamic sport—blending elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis—has been rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among university students and the general public.
The Rise of Pickleball in Indonesia
Originally invented in the United States in 1965, pickleball has surged in popularity worldwide. Now, Indonesia is embracing the sport, with increasing participation across various regions. Notably, pickleball will be featured as an exhibition event at the 2024 Aceh-North Sumatra National Sports Week (PON), marking a significant milestone in its development within the country.
Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Pickleball Federation, Harlin Rahardjo, emphasized the sport's inclusivity and accessibility. "The rules are similar to badminton, both in terms of how to count and the concept of the game. In addition, this sport is very inclusive, it can be played by anyone, from children to the elderly, because it has a lower impact," he stated during Media Day in Kemang on March 13, 2025.
Olympic Aspirations and Challenges Ahead
With its growing international recognition, there is optimism that pickleball could be included as an exhibition event in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. "If this exhibition is successful, it is very likely that pickleball will be officially competed in the 2032 Olympics. It's like badminton in the past, which in 1988 was only an exhibition and then in 1992 it started to be officially competed," Harlin explained.
However, the federation acknowledges challenges in developing homegrown talent. Many current players come from backgrounds in squash, tennis, or badminton. To address this, FPI is working on grassroots initiatives to introduce pickleball at the elementary and secondary education levels. "We want to introduce this sport since elementary education. Cooperation with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will be very helpful in developing the younger generation. Competitions between schools and universities need to be encouraged to produce superior seeds," Harlin added.
Bringing Pickleball to the People
To further popularize the sport, FPI recently hosted a pickleball socialization event for celebrities and journalists at VATA Courts Graha Kapital 2 in Kemang, South Jakarta. The event highlighted the sport's affordability and accessibility. With a court size similar to badminton and equipment costing as little as Rp 300,000 for a racket, pickleball is an attractive option for many.
Local artist Marini Zumarnis was among those who experienced the sport firsthand. "It's not hard to play, I saw it for a moment and was immediately interested. Basically, this is a fun sport to hang out with friends and also suitable for socialites," she said enthusiastically. She also praised the venue, located on the rooftop of Graha Kapital 2, as a perfect place to enjoy both exercise and the Jakarta skyline.
The Future of Pickleball in Indonesia
With its easy-to-learn nature, inclusivity, and growing support from institutions, pickleball is poised to become a mainstay in Indonesia's sports scene. The journey from a newly introduced sport to potential Olympic inclusion is an exciting one. With continued efforts from FPI and passionate players, the future of pickleball in Indonesia looks bright.
