"Lost in Translation" Herry IP

Herry Iman Pierngadi returned to Indonesia for the first time while accompanying the Malaysian men's doubles athletes. Behind the success of guiding his new protégés to the championship podium multiple times, there are "small" adjustments that need to be made.

The coach known by the nickname "Fire Dragon" among Indonesian badminton fans has been leading the Malaysian men's doubles squad since this year. Herry was recruited by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) after not being selected by PP PBSI 2024-2028 to coach at the Cipayung national training center in Jakarta.

After all administrative matters to become a coach in Malaysia were completed, Herry's first task was to accompany the players in the tournament at the Asian Championship in Ningbo, China, from April 8 to 13.

The Malaysian men's doubles team has three representatives in the championship with participants qualifying based on the Asian ranking list. As a result, one of the Malaysian pairs, Aaron Chia/Soh Wooi Yik, emerged as the champion.

After that moment, Chia/Soh reached the finals in three consecutive championships since May, winning two of them, the Thailand and Singapore Opens. Chia/Soh lost in the final of the Malaysia Masters, and that was against fellow Malaysian players, Man Wei Chong/Tee Kai Wun.

So, as is customary when leading two Indonesian men's doubles to the final, Herry watched the "civil war" while drinking coffee.

Kapal Api Indonesia Open at Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, from June 3 to 8, marks the first tournament for Herry accompanying Chia and friends in Indonesia. This homecoming moment is not wasted as he returns to his residence in West Jakarta.

"I stayed at home. I gave the hotel room to the kids (players)," said Herry in the mixed zone, after accompanying Man/Tee in the first round, Tuesday (3/6/2025). Herry accompanied them with Rexy Mainaky who had been staying in Malaysia longer.

"Please speak with Koh Herry. You can use Malay, English, or Arabic. As for Mandarin, he is still learning," said Rexy, who never misses an opportunity for humor whenever they meet.

Herry then recounted that one of the reasons he feels comfortable living in Malaysia is the absence of pollution. His residence in an apartment, which is in the same building as mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto, is located not far from the training venue of the Malaysian national badminton team. Nova moved to Malaysia earlier, in 2023.

Regarding the changes in Chia/Soh so that they can always appear in the final since April, Herry initially quoted from the opinions of badminton fans. "If badminton lovers say, Chia/Soh's game is indeed different," he said.

When asked about the program he brought for the Malaysian men's doubles, Herry stated that he applies an attacking character, which is a trait known from the players he trains, to enhance the strength of the Malaysian men's doubles in defense. "Malaysian players are known for their strong defense. Therefore, I am adding to their attacking pattern," said Herry.

Not only did Herry adjust the playing style in his training, but he also adapted to small details, one of which is language. Although there are many similarities between Indonesian and Malay, there are terms commonly used with Indonesian athletes that Chia and his colleagues do not understand.

The obstacle was first felt during the Asian Championship. There was a lot of “lost in translation” between him and the players. Moreover, the time given for coaching with athletes during the interval was quite short.

“For example, when I say, ‘target that player!’. They don’t understand. Their word for target is target. Then when I say, don’t make a full ‘ceplik’ smash. In Malaysia, they use the word ‘ketuk’,” said the 62-year-old coach.

The obstacle was addressed through adaptations made by Herry. He also learned the vocabulary commonly used by his players. Moreover, the athletes' different regions of origin also meant different languages.

"I am the one who must adapt, not them who should adjust to me. Therefore, I must explain my intentions in their language," he said.

Regarding the achievements of the Malaysian men's doubles, particularly Chia/Soh, which have improved over the past two months, Herry stated that as a coach, he has the responsibility to guide his players to become better.

When asked, are Malaysia's men's doubles results proof after leaving Indonesia?

"Not really. That has become my duty as a coach. I cannot assess myself. Let others be the judge," he said.