Officially, Indonesian Artistic Gymnastics is on the World Map

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The Philippines may have an artistic gymnastics star and Olympic gold medalist, Carlos Yulo. However, Indonesia was the first Southeast Asian country to host the World Championships. This indicates that the nation's gymnastics is beginning to be taken seriously.

Indonesian artistic gymnastics has recorded two new milestones in the past year. Last year, Indonesia qualified its first gymnast for the Olympics through Rifda Irfanaluthfi. Tomorrow, Sunday (19/10/2025), the 53rd World Artistic Gymnastics Championships will commence at the Indonesia Arena Stadium in Jakarta.

The World Championship is the most prestigious event after the Olympics. It is only natural that Olympic gold medalists from Paris 2024, such as Yulo and Kaylia Nemour (Algeria), are coming to Jakarta. Many of the best gymnasts are still present even though the event is not part of the qualification for the next Olympics.

Previously, the largest gymnastics event held in Indonesia was during the 2018 Asian Games. "I performed here (in Jakarta) in 2018. The difference now is that it has improved. Not only Indonesia, but I am also very proud of the presence of the World Championship. This is the first in Southeast Asia," said Yulo.

In Indonesia, artistic gymnastics is not yet very familiar. The Chairperson of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI), Ita Yuliati, has repeatedly stated that gymnastics is still associated with community fitness activities such as Zumba or aerobics. This is one of the factors that prompted the Indonesian Gymnastics Association to become FGI.

FIG President Morinari Watanabe has a different assessment. Indonesia was chosen as the host because it can simultaneously support the future development program of gymnastics. With a population of over 280 million and an emerging ecosystem, Indonesia is highly potential.

"This championship is a stepping stone for gymnastics in Indonesia. With the existing population, its potential is very large. Gymnastics is one of the best sports for young people. It helps them develop strength and balance, and can serve as a foundation for other sports," said Watanabe at a press conference at the Indonesia Arena on Saturday.

The World Championship arrives at the most opportune moment. The gymnastics of the homeland is rising alongside Rifda's performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She proves that becoming an Olympian is not an impossible feat for the Red and White gymnast, despite the many limitations and challenges faced.

That inspirational story has spread to various training centers across the country. Many young gymnasts dream of becoming like Rifda. It is hoped that the World Championship will further enhance this enthusiasm. They have the opportunity to watch the best gymnasts in the world live.

That is the reason for choosing the slogan "Move to Inspire." According to Ita, the World Championship is not the pinnacle, but rather the starting point. "We purchased many tools for the championship. The goal is that after this, they will be donated to the province as a legacy. Gymnastics will not develop well without good facilities," she stated.

It is truly unfortunate that Rifda, who has revitalized the name of artistic gymnastics, did not compete in the World Championship. She officially retired after performing at the Olympics while injured. However, the "Queen of Gymnastics" continues to support the event's continuity in a new role as a field manager.

At the same time, eight gymnasts are ready to represent Indonesia. They consist of five male gymnasts and three female gymnasts. They are Abiyu Rafi (23), Agung Akbar (31), Muhammad Aprizal (30), Joseph Judah Hatoguan (23), Tri Wira Yudha (22), Alarice Mallica Prakoso (17), Salsabilla Hadi Pamungkas (19), and Larasati Rengganis (18).

Do not have overly high expectations for the representatives of Merah Putih. Their quality is still far below the average of world gymnasts. They also have limited experience competing in major events like this. The best achievement of the leading male gymnast, Abiyu, is a silver medal at the SEA Games.

Eva Novalina Butar Butar, the coach of the women's team and a former "queen of gymnastics" in Indonesia, believes that expectations should be managed. "Gymnastics in Indonesia has not reached that level. Besides the lack of facilities, this sport is also not popular here. It remains for all parties to work together to produce world champions in the future. We are just starting that," she stated.

One of the debutants at the World Championships is Alarice. "So far, everything is going smoothly. Hopefully, I can perform at my best on the big day. I'm definitely nervous, but I'm trying to deal with it. I keep praying, and I'll definitely talk a lot with my parents and coaches to encourage me to believe in myself more," said Alarice.

The World Championship also serves as a tribute to Naufal Takdir Al Bari, the Indonesian male gymnast who passed away on October 2. Naufal died during a training camp in Russia, a program he was undertaking with four other male gymnasts in preparation for the World Championship.

A total of 256 male athletes and 174 female athletes will compete in the World Championship, which will take place from October 19 to 25. A total of 75 countries, along with representatives of independent athletes, will also be present. One of the independent athletes is the Olympic gold medalist from Russia, Angelina Melnikova.