‘I Want Children to Play Basketball Freely, Without Anything Holding Them Back’

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Professional basketball in Indonesia has a long way to go before reaching the standard of the game in the United States. But nothing is impossible if competitors demonstrate a positive attitude and have the endeavor to make it happens — just like the approach taken by Adhara Sumampouw.

The 25-year-old, who will this month start his career in Indonesia’s National Basketball League, talks to My Jakarta about how he fills his days as an elite player and the state of the sport in Indonesia.

Find out about his plan to help the next generation of basketballer players share his love of the sport.

Tell us about your early days playing basketball.
My very first game was when I was in junior high school. Back then, my coach was very strict. There were so many exercises I had to get through. Sometimes, the practice would go until late at night. I still remember how I often got whipped with his whistle’s necklace every time I made a mistake. But without him, I wouldn’t be a specialist at both point guard and shooting guard, like now.

How did you make it to the NBL?
I always play my best in every competition I join. I was offered a full scholarship by Universitas Pelita Harapan for my above-average skill in playing basketball. During the national college championship, the coach of Garuda Flexi watched me play and invited me to come to a tryout session. I was accepted four months ago and will have my first match in the NBL in October. I’m excited.

Do you do anything else besides playing basketball?
I had a job in an advertising agency for a year, but then I quit because I decided to devote myself to basketball.

How do you spend your days?
Most of the time, you’ll find me on the court or at the gym. To play well, I have to train daily, keep my body in good shape through exercise and stick to a diet program. Only on Sundays do I rest and recharge myself. It’s important to have a perfect physique, or I won’t be able to compete.

Do you still have time to catch up with friends?
I have a little free time on Saturday evenings, but I can’t stay up too late.

What can a professional basketballer in Indonesia expect to earn?
Every league basketballer receives a monthly fixed salary plus a bonus that varies depending on the person’s contract. An entry-level player could get Rp 2 million [$230] per month with a Rp 1 million bonus. A valuable player or a player who has more experience could get Rp 10 million a month and an annual bonus of up to Rp 100 million.

Given those amounts, do you think it’s worth the effort?
I don’t think so. Despite putting in the same amount of hard work and showing the same dedication as footballers and badminton players, we receive a lot less. Even for a basketball pro, the money they get from playing is only enough for their daily needs. You can’t ever dream about getting rich by playing basketball. That’s why a lot of basketballers here become businessmen or work in offices. Some work as coaches or do something else related to basketball.

Why do you think that is?
I think it’s because there haven’t been any great successes by the Indonesian basketball team, unlike football and badminton, in which players compete abroad and bring home international awards. We lack players able to compete at an international level. We need more exposure to international competitions. There is one local team in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association.

Is there a limit to the extent of your devotion to the game?
This may sound cliched and naive, but basketball is my passion and there’s nothing more I’d rather do than spend the rest of my days committed to my passion.

What does it take to improve the quality of the sport here?
More funding and better facilities. There used to be cigarette companies that sponsored basketball teams here, but they left the business. At the moment, there isn’t a single high-quality court to play on. But I’m happy since we now have a basketball school.

What are your hopes for the future?
Someday, I wish to open a basketball camp for kids. I want children to play basketball freely, without anything holding them back.

Is there anything you want to share with children who want to be a pro basketballer?
Never give up when you want to achieve something great in life. Effort and hard work is essential. Always have faith that God will make a way for you.

Adhara Sumampouw was talking to Irvan Tisnabudi.

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