1. Overview
Lucia Francisca "Susi" Susanti Haditono (王蓮香Wáng LiánxiāngChinese, Ong Liân-hiangOng Liân-hiangnan) is an Indonesian retired badminton player. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's singles players of all time, known for her unique playing style, exceptional physical fitness, and mental fortitude. Susanti made history as the inaugural Olympic women's badminton champion and the first Indonesian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal, achieving this feat at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Her victories not only brought immense national pride but also highlighted the potential for excellence from diverse communities within Indonesia, particularly as a prominent Chinese Indonesian figure during a period of complex social and political challenges. She is often referred to as the "Queen of Badminton" due to her numerous international titles and her dominance in the sport throughout the first half of the 1990s.
2. Early Life and Background
Susi Susanti was born on February 11, 1971, in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia, to Risad Haditono and Purwo Banowati. From an early age, Susanti began training in badminton with the full support of her parents. Her father, Risad Haditono, was a former badminton athlete who had harbored dreams of becoming a world champion, but his aspirations were cut short due to a knee injury. He channeled his unfulfilled dream into Susanti's training, personally guiding her not only in basic strokes but also in crucial aspects such as footwork and stamina.
For seven years, Susanti trained at PB Tunas Tasikmalaya, a club owned by her uncle, where she achieved success in junior-level championships. In 1985, while still in junior high school, Susanti decided to move to Jakarta to further her badminton career. She received invitations from two prominent Indonesian clubs, PB Jaya Raya and PB Djarum. Opting to join PB Jaya Raya due to the presence of relatives in Jakarta, Susanti continued her development under the guidance of coach Liang Qiuxia, formally entering the professional badminton world in 1980.
3. Career
Susanti's career spanned from the early 1980s, culminating in a period of unparalleled dominance in women's singles badminton. Her journey saw her rise from a promising junior talent to an Olympic and world champion, making significant contributions to Indonesian badminton both individually and in team events.
3.1. Junior and Early International Success
Susanti began to gain international recognition in her junior years. In 1987, she achieved remarkable success at the Bimantara World Junior Badminton Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia, winning gold medals in girls' singles, girls' doubles (with Lilik Sudarwati), and mixed doubles (with Ardy Wiranata). This early triumph marked her as a rising star in Indonesian badminton.
Her early international achievements in multi-sport events included a bronze medal in women's singles and a silver medal in women's team at the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, China. She repeated this performance at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan, securing another bronze in women's singles and silver in women's team. Susanti also demonstrated consistent success at the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), winning four women's singles gold medals in 1989, 1991, 1995, and a silver in 1987. She further contributed to the Indonesian women's team's gold medal victories at the SEA Games in 1987, 1989, 1991, 1995, and 1997.
3.2. Olympic Triumphs
Susi Susanti's most significant achievements came at the Olympic Games, where she secured Indonesia's first-ever Olympic gold medal. At the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, she defeated Bang Soo-hyun of South Korea in the women's singles final, winning 5-11, 11-5, 11-3. This historic victory was not only a personal triumph but also ignited immense national pride across Indonesia.
Four years later, at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States, Susanti once again medaled, securing a bronze in women's singles by defeating Kim Ji-hyun of South Korea with a score of 11-4, 11-1. Her consistent performance at the highest level solidified her status as an Olympic icon.
3.3. Dominance in Major Tournaments
Throughout the first half of the 1990s, Susanti was the most dominant women's singles player globally. She secured four titles at the prestigious All England Open, winning in 1990, 1991, 1993, and 1994. Her record at the World Badminton Grand Prix Finals was equally impressive, winning five consecutive times from 1990 to 1994, and again in 1996, totaling six titles.
In 1993, Susanti won the IBF World Championships in Birmingham, England, defeating Bang Soo-hyun in the final. This made her the only female player in history to simultaneously hold the Olympic, World Championship, and All-England singles titles. She also won the Japan Open three times and achieved remarkable success at her home tournament, the Indonesia Open, which she won six times (1989, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997). Additionally, she clinched five titles at the Badminton World Cup (1989, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997) and numerous other Badminton Grand Prix series events.
3.4. Team Competitions
Susanti was a vital component of the Indonesian national badminton team in major international team competitions. She led the Indonesian women's team to historic victories over perennial champions China in the 1994 Uber Cup and 1996 Uber Cup (women's world team championship), securing gold medals for her country. Her contributions also extended to the Sudirman Cup (mixed team championship), where she helped Indonesia win the gold medal in 1989 and secure silver medals in 1991, 1993, and 1995, along with a bronze in 1997. Her leadership and performance were crucial during a particularly strong era for women's international badminton.
4. Playing Style
Susi Susanti was renowned for her distinctive defensive playing style, which contrasted sharply with the more aggressive approaches of many of her top contemporaries, such as Bang Soo-hyun, Tang Jiuhong, Huang Hua, and Ye Zhaoying. Her game was characterized by exceptional durability and a strategic preference for initiating long rallies to exhaust her opponents and induce errors.
Matches involving Susanti against top-tier opponents were typically slow-paced and extended, especially during the era of the 15-point scoring system where points could only be scored by the serving player. She relied heavily on deep clears to the backline, effectively limiting opportunities for fast-paced exchanges and forcing her opponents to cover the entire court. This was often combined with tight drop shots, dictating the pace and movement of the game.
Despite her relatively short stature, Susanti displayed remarkable court coverage and agility. She frequently defended her backhand side using overhead forehands, a testament to her quickness and impressive back-arching suppleness. Her ability to stretch her legs very wide to retrieve low shots at the corners, or shots far from her position, became a signature maneuver, almost balletic in its execution, sometimes ending in a full leg split. This technique was a result of rigorous training and showcased her exceptional flexibility. In the later stages of her career, Susanti strategically integrated more powerful smashing into her repertoire, adding an offensive dimension that often surprised opponents who anticipated only a game of attrition.
5. Key Rivalries
Susi Susanti's career was marked by intense and memorable rivalries with several prominent players who pushed her to consistently perform at her peak. These competitive relationships became defining features of women's singles badminton in the 1990s.
Her primary competitors during her prime years included Chinese players Tang Jiuhong and Huang Hua. As her career progressed, the rivalries intensified with China's Ye Zhaoying and South Korea's Bang Soo-hyun. Matches against these opponents were often epic contests, characterized by Susanti's strategic defensive play against their more aggressive styles. For example, her 1992 Olympic final victory was against Bang Soo-hyun, and she faced Ye Zhaoying in numerous Grand Prix Finals and World Cup matches, often with varying outcomes, showcasing the balanced nature of their rivalry. These rivalries not only elevated the quality of women's badminton but also contributed significantly to Susanti's legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.
6. Major Tournament Records
This section details Susi Susanti's performance and results in major international badminton tournaments throughout her illustrious career.
6.1. Olympic Games Results
Women's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Pavelló de la Mar Bella, Barcelona, Spain | Bang Soo-hyun | 5-11, 11-5, 11-3 |  Gold |
| 1996 | GSU Sports Arena, Atlanta, United States | Kim Ji-hyun | 11-4, 11-1 |  Bronze |
6.2. World Championships Results
Women's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Brøndby Arena, Copenhagen, Denmark | Tang Jiuhong | 4-11, 1-11 | Bronze |
| 1993 | National Indoor Arena, Birmingham, England | Bang Soo-hyun | 7-11, 11-9, 11-3 | Gold |
| 1995 | Malley Sports Centre, Lausanne, Switzerland | Ye Zhaoying | 11-5, 8-11, 2-11 | Bronze |
6.3. World Cup Results
Women's singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Guangzhou Gymnasium, Guangzhou, China | Han Aiping | 11-5, 11-4 | Gold |
| 1990 | Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia | Sarwendah Kusumawardhani | 5-11, 11-1, 11-12 |  Silver |
| 1991 | Macau Forum, Macau | Huang Hua | 3-11, 2-11 | Bronze |
| 1993 | Indira Gandhi Arena, New Delhi, India | Lim Xiaoqing | 11-7, 11-5 | Gold |
| 1994 | Phan Đình Phùng Indoor Stadium, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Bang Soo-hyun | 12-9, 11-6 | Gold |
| 1995 | Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia | Ye Zhaoying | 9-12, 11-2, 9-12 | Silver |
| 1996 | Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia | Wang Chen | 11-7, 11-4 | Gold |
| 1997 | Among Rogo Sports Hall, Yogyakarta, Indonesia | Ye Zhaoying | 11-8, 11-5 | Gold |
6.4. Asian and SEA Games Results
Women's singles
| Year | Tournament | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Asian Games | Beijing Gymnasium, Beijing, China | Tang Jiuhong | 11-7, 1-11, 7-11 | Bronze |
| 1994 | Asian Games | Tsuru Memorial Gymnasium, Hiroshima, Japan | Hisako Mizui | 4-11, 5-11 | Bronze |
| 1987 | SEA Games | Kuningan Hall, Jakarta, Indonesia | Elizabeth Latief | 5-11, 9-11 | Silver |
| 1989 | SEA Games | Stadium Negara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Sarwendah Kusumawardhani | 11-7, 11-6 | Gold |
| 1991 | SEA Games | Camp Crame Gymnasium, Manila, Philippines | Sarwendah Kusumawardhani | 5-11, 11-8, 11-2 | Gold |
| 1995 | SEA Games | Gymnasium 3, 700th Anniversary Sport Complex, Chiang Mai, Thailand | Somharuthai Jaroensiri | 11-4, 11-0 | Gold |
6.5. Junior Tournament Results
The Bimantara World Junior Championships was an international invitation badminton tournament for junior players, held in Jakarta, Indonesia from 1987 to 1991.
Girls' singles
| Year | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Jakarta, Indonesia | Lee Jung-mi | 11-6, 8-11, 11-6 | Gold |
| 1988 | Jakarta, Indonesia | Huang Ying | 11-5, 11-2 | Gold |
Girls' doubles
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Jakarta, Indonesia | Lilik Sudarwati | Gil Young-ah Lee Jung-mi | 9-15, 15-6, 15-5 | Gold |
| 1988 | Jakarta, Indonesia | Lilik Sudarwati | Bang Soo-hyun Shon Hye-joo | 14-18, 18-14, 15-4 | Gold |
Mixed doubles
| Year | Venue | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Jakarta, Indonesia | Ardy Wiranata | Ricky Subagja Lilik Sudarwati | 7-15, 15-7, 15-9 | Gold |
6.6. IBF World Grand Prix Circuit Results
The World Badminton Grand Prix was sanctioned by the International Badminton Federation from 1983 to 2006.
Women's singles
| Year | Tournament | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | All England Open | Li Lingwei | 8-11, 4-11 | Runner-up |
| 1989 | Chinese Taipei Open | Christine Gandrup | 11-8, 3-11, 7-11 | Runner-up |
| 1989 | Indonesia Open | Huang Hua | 11-7, 11-0 | Winner |
| 1990 | All England Open | Huang Hua | 12-11, 11-1 | Winner |
| 1990 | Indonesia Open | Lee Young-suk | 11-1, 8-11, 4-11 | Runner-up |
| 1990 | Australian Open | Anna Lao | 11-1, 11-4 | Winner |
| 1990 | World Grand Prix Finals | Tang Jiuhong | 8-11, 11-5, 12-10 | Winner |
| 1991 | Chinese Taipei Open | Somharuthai Jaroensiri | 11-1, 11-2 | Winner |
| 1991 | Japan Open | Huang Hua | 3-11, 6-11 | Runner-up |
| 1991 | All England Open | Sarwendah Kusumawardhani | 0-11, 11-2, 11-6 | Winner |
| 1991 | Indonesia Open | Lee Heung-soon | 11-8, 11-3 | Winner |
| 1991 | Denmark Open | Huang Hua | 11-5, 6-11, 11-8 | Winner |
| 1991 | Thailand Open | Lee Heung-soon | 11-7, 11-4 | Winner |
| 1991 | Swedish Open | Pernille Nedergaard | 11-2, 11-3 | Winner |
| 1991 | World Grand Prix Finals | Lee Heung-soon | 9-11, 11-8, 11-1 | Winner |
| 1992 | Denmark Open | Lim Xiaoqing | 11-3, 11-3 | Winner |
| 1992 | Japan Open | Ye Zhaoying | 11-2, 11-0 | Winner |
| 1992 | German Open | Sarwendah Kusumawardhani | 11-7, 10-12, 11-8 | Winner |
| 1992 | Hong Kong Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 11-5, 6-11, 7-11 | Runner-up |
| 1992 | Thailand Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 11-7, 11-4 | Winner |
| 1992 | World Grand Prix Finals | Sarwendah Kusumawardhani | 9-11, 11-3, 11-4 | Winner |
| 1993 | All England Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 4-11, 11-4, 11-1 | Winner |
| 1993 | Malaysia Open | Lim Xiaoqing | 11-6, 11-2 | Winner |
| 1993 | Indonesia Open | Ye Zhaoying | 9-11, 11-12 | Runner-up |
| 1993 | Thailand Open | Somharuthai Jaroensiri | 12-10, 11-2 | Winner |
| 1993 | Korea Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 9-12, 5-11 | Runner-up |
| 1993 | German Open | Ye Zhaoying | 11-6, 11-8 | Winner |
| 1993 | Dutch Open | Camilla Martin | 11-7, 11-1 | Winner |
| 1993 | World Grand Prix Finals | Ye Zhaoying | 11-3, 12-9 | Winner |
| 1994 | Chinese Taipei Open | Kim Ji-hyun | 11-2, 11-5 | Winner |
| 1994 | All England Open | Ye Zhaoying | 11-5, 11-9 | Winner |
| 1994 | Japan Open | Ye Zhaoying | 11-6, 10-12, 11-8 | Winner |
| 1994 | Malaysia Open | Ye Zhaoying | 11-3, 11-8 | Winner |
| 1994 | Thailand Open | Lim Xiaoqing | 11-5, 12-10 | Winner |
| 1994 | Indonesia Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 2-11, 11-0, 11-7 | Winner |
| 1994 | World Grand Prix Finals | Ye Zhaoying | 4-11, 12-10, 11-4 | Winner |
| 1995 | Japan Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 11-7, 12-11 | Winner |
| 1995 | Malaysia Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 11-1, 11-6 | Winner |
| 1995 | Indonesia Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 11-1, 12-11 | Winner |
| 1995 | Korea Open | Bang Soo-hyun | 3-11, 11-7, 11-9 | Winner |
| 1996 | Japan Open | Ye Zhaoying | 7-11, 8-11 | Runner-up |
| 1996 | Indonesia Open | Wang Chen | 11-8, 11-8 | Winner |
| 1996 | Chinese Taipei Open | Ye Zhaoying | 11-5, 11-2 | Winner |
| 1996 | World Grand Prix Finals | Ye Zhaoying | 11-4, 11-1 | Winner |
| 1997 | Malaysia Open | Ye Zhaoying | 11-5, 11-7 | Winner |
| 1997 | Indonesia Open | Meiluawati | 11-4, 11-5 | Winner |
| 1997 | Vietnam Open | Xu Huaiwen | 11-4, 11-1 | Winner |
| 1997 | World Grand Prix Finals | Ye Zhaoying | 4-11, 4-11 | Runner-up |
| 1998 | Singapore Open | Ye Zhaoying | 5-11, 6-11, 2-11 | Runner-up |
Women's doubles
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Indonesia Open | Verawaty Fadjrin | Rosiana Tendean Ivana Lie | 4-15, 16-17 | Runner-up |
| 1990 | Australian Open | Lisa Campbell | Rhonda Cator Anna Lao | 8-15, 2-15 | Runner-up |
Mixed doubles
| Year | Tournament | Partner | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Australian Open | Ardy Wiranata | He Tim Anna Lao | 11-15, 12-15 | Runner-up |
6.7. Invitational Tournament Results
Women's singles
| Year | Tournament | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Asian Invitational Championships | Bandar Lampung, Indonesia | Tang Jiuhong | 1-11, 4-11 | Bronze |
7. Personal Life
Susanti's personal life, particularly her marriage and the social context she navigated as a Chinese Indonesian, reflects both personal triumph and the broader human rights challenges faced by minority groups in Indonesia.
7.1. Marriage and Family
Susi Susanti married fellow Indonesian badminton player Alan Budikusuma in February 1997, after a nine-year courtship. Budikusuma had also won a gold medal in men's singles at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, earning them the moniker "Olympic Golden Couple" for their historic dual victories. Their wedding reception, held at the Gran Melia Hotel in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on February 9, 1997, was a grand affair attended by approximately 4,000 guests, including notable figures like the Chairman of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI), General (Ret.) Wismoyo Arismunandar, and the sixth Vice President of Indonesia, Try Sutrisno. The wedding, themed "Grand Athena Wedding," followed their sacrament ceremony at Saint James Church in North Jakarta a week prior. Reports estimated the wedding cost at around 1.00 B IDR, with Susanti's luxurious wedding gown and a diamond crown weighing 33 lb (15 kg).
Together, Susanti and Budikusuma have three children: Laurencia Averina (born 1999), Albertus Edward (born 2000), and Sebastianus Frederick (born 2003). When their eldest daughter, Laurencia Averina, was born in 1999, Indonesia was experiencing significant civil unrest and violence. In a gesture of hope for the nation, Susanti named her daughter Laurencia Averina Wiratama, with "Averina" meaning "peace."
7.2. Social and Political Challenges
As a Chinese Indonesian, Susi Susanti faced unique social and political challenges, particularly concerning citizenship documentation. During the time of her marriage, Chinese Indonesians were often required to possess a Surat Bukti Kewarganegaraan Republik Indonesia (SBKRI), or Certificate of Indonesian Citizenship, a discriminatory policy that complicated official processes like marriage. Susanti publicly protested this requirement through various media outlets, highlighting the inherent injustice of such policies. Her vocal advocacy contributed to the swift completion of her marriage documentation and brought greater attention to the human rights issues faced by the Chinese Indonesian community. This period underscored her resilience not only as an athlete but also as a public figure advocating for social justice.
8. Retirement and Post-Career Activities
Susi Susanti officially retired from professional badminton in 1998, ending a career that left an indelible mark on the sport.
8.1. Formal Retirement
Susanti's decision to retire came after 19 years in badminton. Although she had hoped to win a gold medal at the Asian Games, which remained the only major title missing from her impressive collection, her pregnancy in 1998 led her to decide against participating in the Asian Games and ultimately to retire. Her formal retirement ceremony took place on October 30, 1999, at Istora Senayan in Jakarta. This event, which attracted 2,500 fans who chanted her name, was the first retirement ceremony ever organized by the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), highlighting her monumental status in Indonesian sports. As a mark of honor, PBSI presented her with a commemorative gold award weighing 0.9 oz (25 g).
8.2. Business Ventures and Public Roles
Following her retirement, Susanti transitioned into entrepreneurial roles alongside her husband, Alan Budikusuma. They co-founded Astec, a badminton apparel company, and also established Fontana, a sports massage center, in collaboration with Elizabeth Latief. Beyond business, Susanti has maintained a public profile, most notably serving as the final torchbearer at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. This symbolic act underscored her enduring legacy and iconic status in Indonesian sports.
8.3. Stance on Children's Athletic Careers
Despite their own illustrious careers in badminton, Susi Susanti and Alan Budikusuma have adopted a unique perspective regarding their children's potential athletic careers. Susanti has publicly stated her preference for her children to pursue professions outside of sports. Her reasoning stems from a desire to avoid burdening them with the immense pressure of living up to their parents' legendary achievements. She believes it is better for her children to choose their own paths, free from the weight of such high expectations.
9. Legacy and Recognition
Susi Susanti's impact on badminton in Indonesia and her status as a revered national figure are profound, cementing her legacy as one of the country's most inspiring athletes.
9.1. Honors and Awards
Susanti has received numerous accolades recognizing her extraordinary contributions to badminton. In 1992, she was awarded the Tanda Kehormatan Bintang Jasa Utama, a prestigious national honor from the Government of Indonesia, shortly after her Olympic gold medal. She was inducted into the Badminton Hall of Fame by the International Badminton Federation (now BWF) in May 2004, a testament to her global impact on the sport. Other Indonesian badminton legends in the Hall of Fame include Rudy Hartono, Dick Sudirman, Christian Hadinata, and Liem Swie King. Earlier, in 2002, she was also presented with the Herbert Scheele Trophy, further highlighting her distinguished career and influence.
9.2. Enduring Influence
Susanti's influence extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She remains a powerful symbol of national achievement and perseverance in Indonesia. Her historic Olympic gold medal in 1992, the first for Indonesia, galvanized the nation and inspired generations of athletes across various sports. As a prominent Chinese Indonesian who succeeded on the global stage despite facing social challenges, she became an emblem of unity and determination, demonstrating that talent and hard work transcend ethnic boundaries. Her consistent dominance and graceful playing style also inspired aspiring badminton players, contributing to Indonesia's sustained success in the sport.
9.3. Asian Games Torchbearer
In a poignant recognition of her iconic status and enduring influence, Susi Susanti was chosen as the final torchbearer for the opening ceremony of the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta-Palembang. This role symbolized her pivotal place in Indonesian sports history and her ongoing role as an inspiration for athletes and the public alike. The moment underscored her lasting impact as a national hero and a beacon of sporting excellence.
10. In Popular Culture
Susi Susanti's compelling life story and remarkable career have been brought to the big screen, cementing her place in popular culture. A biopic titled Susi Susanti: Love All, directed by Sim F, was released on October 24, 2019. In the film, actress Laura Basuki portrays Susanti, while Dion Wiyoko plays the role of her husband, Alan Budikusuma. The film aims to showcase various facets of Susanti's life, including her challenges as a Chinese Indonesian and her journey to becoming an Olympic champion. The teenage version of Susi Susanti was played by Moira Tabina Zayn.