Bandung, February 20, 2025
The Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament 2025, hosted at Hotel Mewangi in Bandung, West Java, reached its fifth day on Thursday, February 20, 2025, delivering a series of gripping encounters. Among the standout performers was International Master (IM) Yoseph Theolifus Taher (2439), who showcased his peak form by adding to his victory tally in rounds 6 and 7. His exceptional play underscored the high level of competition at this prestigious event, which continues to draw attention from chess enthusiasts across the region.
In a commanding performance during round 7, Yoseph dispatched his compatriot IM Gilbert Elroy Tarigan (2416) in just 36 moves, demonstrating his tactical precision and strategic depth. Earlier in the day, during round 6, he faced South Korea’s IM Junhyeok Lee (2426) and secured a hard-fought draw, a result that highlighted his ability to hold his own against strong international opponents. With these outcomes, Yoseph earned 1.5 points on the fifth day, boosting his total to 5 points after seven rounds. This impressive haul positions him firmly in second place, making him a serious contender as the tournament progresses.
Meanwhile, the leaderboard experienced a shake-up as Mongolia’s young IM Gan-Erdene Sugar (2439), who had previously held the top spot, encountered a stumbling block. In round 7, he was held to a draw by Indonesia’s rising star IM Aditya Bagus Arfan (2402), a result that halted his momentum. With a total of 4.5 points, Gan-Erdene slipped to third place, opening the door for others to seize the lead. His battle with Aditya, a player known for his resilience, added an extra layer of intrigue to the day’s proceedings, reflecting the unpredictable nature of this fiercely contested tournament.
The top of the standings after seven rounds is now occupied by Azerbaijan’s top seed, Grandmaster (GM) Safarli Eltaj (2609). Safarli claimed a significant victory over India’s GM Sethuraman S.P. (2557), a win that solidified his position at the summit. Sethuraman, with 4 victory points (VP) following the defeat, dropped to fourth place, while Safarli’s total reached 5 points—matching Yoseph’s score. However, Safarli edges ahead on tie-break points, boasting 17 compared to Yoseph’s 15, a testament to his consistent performance against high-caliber opponents throughout the event.
The defending champion from 2024, IM Aditya Bagus Arfan, signaled a revival after a challenging start to the tournament. In round 6, he delivered a polished performance to defeat his senior, GM Novendra Priasmoro, a victory that boosted his confidence and showcased his enduring skill. He followed this up in round 7 by holding the erstwhile leader, IM Gan-Erdene Sugar, to a draw, further proving his mettle. Aditya’s resurgence adds excitement to the narrative, as fans eagerly watch to see if he can reclaim his championship form in the remaining rounds.
In the IM group, Indonesia’s talented youngster FM Satria Duta (2360) continued to shine, adding 1.5 points across rounds 6 and 7. Duta, who also represents Indonesia as the second board player in the Chess Olympiad team, produced a stellar display in round 6, defeating Myanmar’s IM Wynn Zaw Htun (2387) with flair and precision. Playing with the black pieces in round 7, he then held his senior, IM Farid Firman Syah, to a draw, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable competitor. These results keep Duta in second place with 5.5 points, level with another promising Indonesian, IM Nayaka Budhidharma (2356), who occupies third place with the same score. Nayaka’s own remarkable day saw him secure 2 full points—first by defeating WIM Laysa Latifah with black in round 6, then overcoming the Philippines’ strong WGM Fryana Janele Mae (2286) in round 7. Duta holds the tie-break advantage over Nayaka, thanks to his direct victory in their round 3 encounter, setting the stage for a thrilling rivalry between these young stars.
The IM group leaderboard remains under the firm grip of Ukraine’s powerhouse GM Bernadskiy Vitaliy (2531), who has amassed 6.5 points. Despite a draw against Indonesia’s IM Mohammad Ervan (2383) in round 7, Bernadskiy’s dominance is unquestioned, his high Elo rating and strategic mastery keeping him ahead of the pack. His performance serves as a benchmark for the aspiring masters in the field, many of whom are eager to test their skills against such a seasoned grandmaster.
PB Percasi’s Motivation and Vision
The Chairman of the Indonesian Chess Federation (PB Percasi), GM Utut Adianto, has been a steadfast observer of the Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament 2025 in Bandung. He emphasized that PB Percasi is committed to nurturing high-achieving players, a mission reflected in the organization’s support for events like this. Utut expressed particular pride in IM Yoseph Theolifus Taher’s unbeaten run and exceptional showing, which have marked him as a standout figure in the tournament.
“Yoseph is a highly capable player whom we’ve long expected to achieve the GM title,” Utut stated. “In the past, his performances were inconsistent, and he sometimes lacked the tenacity needed to excel. But here in Bandung, he’s displayed both remarkable skill and a fierce competitive spirit.” Utut’s comments highlight the potential he sees in Yoseph, whose current form could signal a breakthrough on his journey to grandmaster status.
On the other hand, IM Aditya Bagus Arfan, with an Elo rating of 2402, appears to be grappling with a dip in form during this tournament. Yet, with two GM norms already secured, there is optimism within PB Percasi that he can rebound in future international events. The hope is that Aditya can elevate his rating to 2500 and claim his third GM norm, fulfilling the requirements for the coveted GM title—a milestone that would be celebrated by Indonesia’s chess community as a whole.
The tournament has also shone a spotlight on the next generation of Indonesian chess talent, notably IM Nayaka Budhidharma (2356) and FM Satria Duta Cahaya (2360). At the tender age of 17, Satria Duta remains undefeated, trailing closely behind the IM group leader, GM Bernadskiy Vitaliy (2531). Their round 8 clash, scheduled for February 22, 2025, promises to be a defining moment, pitting the young Indonesian’s ambition against the Ukrainian grandmaster’s experience. “With his relentless drive in every game, Satria Duta has a real chance to secure his third IM norm,” Utut remarked, joined by PB Percasi advisor Ir. Eka Putra Wirya.
Ir. Eka Putra Wirya, a dedicated advocate for national chess players, praised the Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament’s consistency and quality. “This event is outstanding and has been held annually without fail,” he said. “It accelerates the emergence of skilled players capable of achieving IM and GM titles. Sustained regeneration is essential if we want Indonesian chess to earn respect on the global stage, especially since it’s been some time since we last produced a GM after Novendra Priasmoro.” He stressed the importance of hosting classical international tournaments domestically and sending talented players to compete abroad, viewing these efforts as critical to advancing chess development in Indonesia and achieving the success the nation aspires to.
As the Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament 2025 continues, the performances of both established stars and emerging talents promise more captivating chess action in the days ahead, with the potential to shape the future of the game in Indonesia.
