Indonesia, a powerhouse in world badminton, has long prided itself on its rich heritage in the sport. From the golden days of legends like Taufik Hidayat to the more recent dominance of Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, Indonesia has always been at the heart of global badminton. Yet, the past two years have been frustrating for fans and players alike as the national team struggles to bring home major titles, particularly in the men’s doubles department.
Now, all eyes are on Fajar Alfian—a former world No.1 in men’s doubles—who has made a bold decision to switch partners in an effort to end Indonesia’s title drought. With fresh dynamics and renewed determination, Fajar is hoping this change will ignite a revival not just in his career but in Indonesian badminton as a whole.
The Fall from the Peak
Fajar Alfian, alongside his long-time partner Muhammad Rian Ardianto, enjoyed a spell of dominance in 2022 and early 2023. The pair were known for their aggressive play, lightning reflexes, and strong chemistry. Their crowning achievement came in January 2023 when they reached the pinnacle of the BWF World Rankings as the No.1 men’s doubles pair in the world.
However, success was fleeting. A series of inconsistent performances, surprising early exits, and lackluster finishes plagued their campaign. By the end of 2023, questions started to arise about the effectiveness of their pairing. While they remained competitive, they could no longer keep pace with the evolving dynamics of global competition.
Coaches, analysts, and fans noted the stagnation. Despite their technical prowess, Fajar and Rian appeared mentally exhausted, often struggling in high-pressure moments. By mid-2024, their partnership, which had once looked unbreakable, was under scrutiny.
The Courage to Start Over
In a press conference earlier this year, Fajar Alfian addressed the elephant in the room. He acknowledged that change was necessary—not just for him, but for the benefit of the national team.
“Sometimes, even when things aren’t broken, they need to evolve,” Fajar explained. “Rian and I have shared incredible memories, but I felt the need to challenge myself with something new.”
The decision was not made lightly. Fajar spent several months training with different players during internal camps before it was confirmed that his new partner for the 2025 season would be Leo Rolly Carnando—a rising star known for his fearless approach and quick footwork.
The announcement was met with cautious optimism. Leo, a junior world champion and a product of the national team’s youth system, had shown immense potential but had yet to fully break into the top-tier scene. Pairing him with a seasoned player like Fajar could be the perfect combination of experience and raw talent.
Leo Rolly Carnando The X-Factor
For Leo, the opportunity was both a dream and a challenge.
“It’s an honor to play alongside someone like Fajar. I’ve admired his game for years. Now it’s time for me to prove I belong at this level,” Leo said.
The 24-year-old has long been regarded as one of Indonesia’s future stars. Though his previous pairings didn’t yield major success, he consistently impressed with his agility, sharp net play, and high badminton IQ. Analysts believe that Leo’s adaptability and hunger to prove himself are precisely what Fajar needs to reignite his career.
Coach Herry Iman Pierngadi, the legendary doubles coach behind some of Indonesia’s greatest pairings, voiced his support for the new duo.
“We’re building a pair that balances calm experience with youthful aggression. The goal is not just immediate results, but long-term chemistry,” he explained.
Early Results and Growing Pains
The pair’s first few tournaments as a new team were closely watched. While expectations were tempered, their performances showed glimpses of promise. At the Malaysia Open 2025, Fajar and Leo made it to the semifinals, taking down two seeded pairs along the way. Although they eventually fell to the reigning world champions from China, their resilience and communication stood out.
In subsequent events such as the All England and the India Open, they reached the quarterfinals, showing consistency in a field crowded with fierce competition. Despite not clinching titles, they were steadily climbing the rankings, gaining valuable experience, and building trust.
“It’s like learning a new language,” Fajar commented after a match. “Leo and I are still figuring out each other’s movements, signals, and rhythm. But every game we play brings us closer.”
Critics noted that while Leo occasionally struggled under pressure, Fajar’s calm demeanor helped stabilize their performance. Meanwhile, Leo’s creativity and energy injected a level of unpredictability that often unsettled opponents.
Indonesia’s Title Drought A Broader Problem
While the spotlight remains on Fajar’s new partnership, it’s impossible to ignore the wider crisis in Indonesian badminton. Since the retirement of the “Minions” (Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya), no Indonesian men’s doubles pair has consistently dominated the world stage. Other nations—particularly China, Japan, Korea, and Malaysia—have stepped up with stronger, more consistent pairings.
This has raised alarms within the PBSI (Indonesian Badminton Association). In response, they’ve begun overhauling their training methods, sports science integration, and talent scouting processes. Part of this strategy includes experimenting with new pairings, such as Fajar and Leo, to rebuild depth and competitiveness.
“Indonesia has always been a doubles powerhouse,” said former Olympian Hendra Setiawan. “But staying at the top requires constant innovation. Fajar and Leo’s pairing represents that spirit.”
The pressure is now on not just to win, but to inspire a new generation of Indonesian players by reclaiming the nation’s dominance in doubles.
Brotherhood Over Rankings
One of the most refreshing aspects of this new duo is their off-court camaraderie. Both Fajar and Leo have spoken openly about how they’ve bonded during training and overseas tournaments.
“We push each other but also support one another. It’s more than a professional partnership—it’s becoming a friendship,” Leo shared in a behind-the-scenes documentary.
The importance of team chemistry in doubles badminton cannot be overstated. Many successful pairs attribute their longevity and success to deep trust and mutual respect. If Fajar and Leo can continue to build their relationship off the court, it will likely translate into better synergy on the court.
This bond was evident during the Indonesia Masters, where after a tense three-set victory, Fajar lifted Leo’s arm in celebration, signaling not just victory but unity.
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