KBRN, Phatum Thani: Women’s doubles player Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and men’s doubles player Sabar Karyaman Gutama have been appointed captains of Indonesia’s badminton team. They will lead the national squad in the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.

Febriana expressed her delight at being chosen to captain the women’s team. “I’m happy to be selected as captain,” she said in a press release received by RRI on Sunday, December 7, 2025. She added that she and her teammates are determined to perform at their best, with the ultimate goal of winning gold for Indonesia.

Sabar admitted feeling some pressure as captain in his first multi-sport event. “This is my first multi-event,” he said. Still, he is ready to take on the role, noting that his seniority likely influenced the decision. “Maybe because I’m the most senior,” he remarked.

He hopes to guide his teammates well. “Hopefully I can mentor the others,” Sabar said, emphasizing that team cohesion and communication will be key to success. He believes every player has the potential to contribute points.

Upon arriving in Thailand, the Indonesian team immediately began training at Gymnasium 4, Thammasat University. The one-hour session was designed as an initial adaptation. “Today we tried out the court,” Febriana explained.

The practice was kept light, featuring 3-on-3 games to loosen stiff muscles after travel. Sabar observed that the court conditions were similar to those at the Thailand Open, though he noted that air conditioning could affect shuttlecock movement. He stressed that thorough preparation will continue in the lead-up to competition. (Gusti Panji/Sri Wahyuni)