Bandung, February 16 2025
President of The Indonesian Chess Federation (PERCASI), GM Utut Adianto, gave his enthusiastic approval as 12 Indonesian chess players showcased a unique drive to succeed at the Indonesian GM Tournament, held at the Hotel Mewangi in Bandung from February 15 to 25, 2025.
“The tournament features 12 competitors representing 10 participating countries, setting the stage for a highly competitive battle over the course of 11 matches,”
— GM Utut Adianto, speaking after the event’s inauguration on Sunday (February 16, 2025).
GM Utut expressed hope that this edition of the tournament would open opportunities for players to either clinch the GM title or enhance their Elo ratings. He added that the event is also ideal for those pursuing GM norms—provided they secure at least 7.5 victory points for the GM norm and 6.5 for the IM norm.
In addition, national players are keen on boosting their Elo ratings. For example, Aditya Bagus Arfan needs to raise his rating to 2500 and secure a total of three norms to earn the GM title; he currently has two norms under his belt.
Utut, who also serves as President of FIDE Zone 3.3 Asia, expressed gratitude that the event attracted 24 athletes from Indonesia—as well as from India, Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Australia, South Korea, the Philippines, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Among the international competitors, the standout is GM Eltaj Safarli from Azerbaijan with an Elo rating of 2609, while GM Junghyeok Lee from South Korea, rating at 2426, rounds out the field.
Representing Indonesia are:
- GM Susanto Megaranto (2502)
- IM Theolifus Yoseph Taher (2439)
- GM Novendra Priasmoro (2437)
- IM Gilbert Elroy Tarigan (2416)
- IM Azarya Jodi Setyaki (2411)
- IM Aditya Bagus Arfan (2402)
- IM Farid Firmansyah (2375)
- IM Mohamad Ervan (2383)
- FM Satria Duta Cahaya (2360)
- WIM Laysa Latifah (2280)
- WIM Arif Abdul Hafiz (2349)
- WIM Ivana Maria Treopolsa Lasama (2040)
Exciting matches from the Indonesian Grandmaster Tournament 2025 can be watched via live streaming on SCUA TV Youtube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SCUATV/streams, as well as on the official website, www.indonesiagmtournament.com.
In a separate statement, the 2024 defending champion IM Aditya Bagus Arfan affirmed his determination to boost his Elo rating and secure his third norm. “Once I meet the norm requirements, it will only be a matter of raising my rating to 2500. I plan to achieve this through the Indonesian GM Tournament and other competitive events until I earn the GM title,” he declared.
When asked about the toughest opponent he expects to face, Aditya highlighted GM Eltaj Safarli from Azerbaijan—who boasts an Elo rating of 2609. He also noted that GM Temur Kuybokarov (rating 2550) from Australia, whom he faced in a similar championship last year, would pose a significant challenge.
