Jakarta: Indonesia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Dito Ariotedjo, warmly welcomed the appointment of Taufik Hidayat as his deputy.
“With Taufik on board, it’s a highly positive development. His stature and achievements are truly inspiring for our youth,” Minister Dito said during a press conference at the Ministry of Youth and Sports on October 21.
A world-renowned badminton champion, Taufik Hidayat’s involvement is anticipated to bring a fresh wave of energy and innovation to the ministry. Minister Dito emphasized that Taufik’s legendary status in sports would directly benefit various athletic and youth initiatives.
“Taufik is a legend in the sports world. His active participation will undoubtedly inject positive energy and create an encouraging atmosphere,” added Dito.
Taufik Hidayat, born on August 10, 1981, in Bandung, West Java, is one of Indonesia’s most decorated badminton players. He clinched the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics and secured the World Champion title in 2005. His foray into politics has sparked great interest, culminating in his appointment as the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports for the 2024-2029 term.
Hidayat began his badminton journey at an early age, joining the SGS PLN Bandung club under the mentorship of Lie Sumirat. His talent quickly shone through as he won the Asian Junior Championships at 16, and by 17, he had claimed titles at the Brunei Open and reached the semifinals of the Asian Championships and the Indonesia Open.
His career highlights include winning the Asian Games in Bangkok in 1998 and the Indonesia Open in 1999. His triumphs continued with a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where he overcame top competitors like Wong Choong Hann, Peter Gade, and Shon Seung Mo.
Hidayat’s illustrious career saw him clinch the World Championship in 2005, defeating top-ranked Lin Dan. He continued to dominate by winning the Asian Games in Doha in 2006 and the Indonesia Open multiple times.
After retiring in 2013, Hidayat ventured into politics, serving as Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Gold Program (Satlak Prima) and later as a special staff member at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
In 2018, he joined the Democratic Party, but his political career took a more significant turn in 2024 when he ran for a parliamentary seat with the Gerindra Party. Although unsuccessful in the election, his appointment as Deputy Minister marks a pivotal moment in his political journey.
Hidayat’s role is expected to bridge the gap between sports and youth development, leveraging his vast experience and passion for nurturing young talent in Indonesia.