I

t may be news to some younger readers, but the nation was once a force to be reckoned with in regional and international sports arenas. In the 1980s and 1990s, Indonesia made its mark in several fields, especially badminton, weightlifting and boxing.

Unfortunately, proud moments atop the podium are in short supply today. For those yearning to recapture the glory days of the past, and keep alive hopes for a better future, Kompas TV is airing the 13-episode Kita Bisa (We Can) documentary series on sports legends.

Badminton players Susy Susanti, Alan Budikusuma, Christian Hadinata, archer Nurfitriyana S. Lantang, chess grand master Utut Adianto and bodybuilder Ade Rai are among the distinguished figures featured in the 30-minute programs, produced in conjunction with Djarum Foundation.

They detail the athletes’ journey to success, from the thankless days of toil and training in their youth to the climactic and dramatic moments of triumph. There is insight from the legends themselves and the people who influenced them during their heyday.

“The program not only remembers the sport achievements, but also how the champions struggled for their victories and how their triumphs contribute to today’s athlete development and spirit building. The program also acts as a bridge between the public and sports heroes,” producer Danny Maulan told The Jakarta Post.

Susy and her husband Alan were featured in the first two episodes. Danny recounted the story of Susy training so hard for the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona that she could barely walk the next day. She went on to take Indonesia’s first ever gold medal as badminton made its debut as a medal sport in the Spanish city.

Alan recouped from his loss in the Thomas Cup team competition three months before the Olympics to also wrest gold, with the pair dubbed Indonesia’s “golden couple”.

“The program is a good example to the young generation because it also emphasizes the process of becoming a champion. If you want to be a champion, you must work hard. There is no easy way to victory,” Susy told the Post.

“I hope there will be breakthroughs for the next Olympic Games. Before London, badminton had never failed to contribute medals in the Olympics. We really need to make improvements.”

Also featured are young athletes seeking to learn from the champions in their own quest for glory.

“I think we are yearning for good sport achievements. Viewers have given positive feedback through our Twitter account,” Danny said.

Danny said there were plans to continue with a second season, with the focus on outstanding young athletes.

“Sport events unite the people, distract their attention from politics and make them focus on bringing one name, Indonesia, to the fore. We hope the program can inspire the young generation,” he said.

Kita Bisa
Kompas TV
Sunday 10 a.m.