Celebrating Chess and Community at the Indonesia Chess Museum
Indonesia Chess Museum, the world has only a few chess museums. You can find them in Iceland, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, and Türkiye. Now, Indonesia joins this prestigious list! The Museum Catur Indonesia (Indonesia Chess Museum) had its soft launch on February 26, 2025.
A Special Location
The museum is inside Cafe Tutur, located at the headquarters of the Utut Adianto Chess School (SCUA) in Bekasi, Indonesia. SCUA is a FIDE Tier 1 Academy, founded by Eka Putra Wirya.
A Grand Opening
The launch event was a gathering of family, friends, and chess enthusiasts. It was a moment of celebration for Eka Putra Wirya, a key figure in Indonesian chess.
Who is Eka Putra Wirya?
Eka Putra Wirya is one of the biggest contributors to Indonesian chess. He, alongside GM Utut Adianto and FST Kristianus Liem, has shaped the country’s chess success for the past 30 years.
During the museum’s opening, Eka shared his journey in chess. His vision started in 1990, and the museum is the final piece of his dream.
A Blessing and Tributes
A special Catholic Mass was held to bless the museum and Cafe Tutur. Many people shared tributes, including SCUA members, a media representative, and old friends.
GM Utut Adianto, President of the All Indonesian Chess Federation (PERCASI), delivered the keynote speech. He returned from official duties in China just for this event.
A Tour and Celebration
After the speeches, guests enjoyed a guided tour of the museum. The celebration continued with lunch and live music. A former junior chess champion led the band, and Eka himself joined in!
At the same time, two simultaneous chess exhibitions were held. Indonesia’s top young players faced two grandmasters who recently competed in the Indonesia GM & IM Tournaments.
Eka’s Chess Journey
Eka was once a promising chess player. However, as the eldest son in a business family, he had to set aside his grandmaster dreams. Despite this, he remained deeply involved in chess.
Last year, while attending the FIDE World Championship Match in Singapore, he proved his strength by defeating former Women’s World Champion GM Xie Jun in a simultaneous exhibition.
Building a Chess Empire
Eka dedicated himself to supporting Indonesian chess. He managed the national team at the Manila Olympiad in 1990. He also convinced talented players and passionate journalists to focus on chess full-time.
This led to the rise of Indonesian chess. GM Utut Adianto became Indonesia’s top player and a world-class grandmaster. Kristianus Liem managed SCUA, which started as Enerpac Chess School.
A Legacy of Success
For the past decade, Eka and his team have played a huge role in Indonesian chess. They helped develop champions at the World, Asian Cadet, School, Youth, and Junior levels. They also supported grandmasters, international masters, and women’s grandmasters.
Eka is especially proud that SCUA has lifted many players from poverty to a better life. This explains why so many from the chess community attended the museum’s launch.
Indonesia’s Chess Future
The Indonesia Chess Museum is a one-of-a-kind showcase in Asia. It honors Indonesia’s chess history and inspires future generations. It also highlights the contributions of individuals and sponsors who helped chess grow in the country.
With this museum, chess in Indonesia gains more recognition in education. In collaboration with SCUA, it promotes chess as a tool for learning and talent development.
For Eka, this museum is the final piece of his long-term vision. Alongside GM Utut Adianto and Kristianus Liem, he has built a legacy that will continue to shape Indonesian chess for years to come.
Photos: FM FT IA Peter Long / FIDE_chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
