Jonatan Christie Leaves Pelatnas Cipayung After 12 Years, Begins Professional Path

Jakarta, Xweb.biz.id — Indonesian men’s singles badminton star Jonatan Christie has officially ended his 12-year tenure with the PBSI National Training Center, Pelatnas Cipayung. The 27-year-old shuttler made the announcement after long deliberation with his family, coaches, and the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI).

Christie, who was born on September 15, 1997, cited personal and family considerations as the key reasons for his departure. Following the 2024 Paris Olympics and the birth of his child, he expressed a strong desire to be closer to home. The long commute from Palmerah to Cipayung became a major factor in his decision.

“I want to be nearer to my family and have more flexibility in managing my training while still maintaining high performance,” Jonatan stated during a press conference.

Not Retirement, But Reinvention

Although stepping away from Pelatnas, Jonatan made it clear that this is not a retirement announcement. He remains fully committed to representing Indonesia on the global stage and is open to future collaborations with PBSI, including periodic joint training sessions at Cipayung.

His final tournament under the Pelatnas banner will be the 2025 Sudirman Cup. Moving forward, he will train independently through his original club, PB Tangkas, while continuing to compete professionally. This move aligns him with fellow national player Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo, who previously chose a similar path outside of Pelatnas.

Professional but Patriotic

Christie’s independence means he will now self-manage travel, accommodation, and tournament-related expenses, supported by sponsorship deals. His first appearance as an independent athlete will be at the upcoming Singapore Open.

Despite his new status, Jonatan emphasized his patriotism and willingness to support the national team in any capacity. “I may no longer train daily at Pelatnas, but I’m ready to spar and share my experience with younger athletes. This also gives room for junior players to grow within the national system,” he said.

With this transition, Jonatan opens a new chapter in his career — one of professional freedom, family focus, and continued service to Indonesian badminton.

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