SHENZHEN (China) - Getting promoted is one thing, but staying is a whole different story.
That's precisely why some fans and pundits alike are keeping an eye on Indonesia, curious whether or not they would be able to keep their place in Division A in the upcoming FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025.
A team that spent quite a while in the second level, Timnas finally broke through after ruling Division B of the 2023 competitions in Sydney, doing so in dominant fashion as they swept all of their five games.
It couldn't get any sweeter for the Southeast Asian side after struggling to get over the hump in their three previous stints in 2011, 2013, and then in 2021, where they settled for third place in all those occasions.
And to finally get the ticket to Division A in the manner that they did is actually an achievement in itself, too. Ever since joining the competition in 1970, Indonesia never had an unbeaten campaign until the Australia games.
Can they sustain their winning ways?
That, of course, is the goal but this team is surely under no illusion that it can be done so easily. The top division is where the perennial contenders swim, with the others looking to sneak from behind for a stunner.
In case you're wondering, the Indonesians have been drawn in Group A of the 2025 Women's Asia Cup that's slated on July 13-20. The pool also features host nation China, plus New Zealand and Korea.
So in their Division A debut, they're bound to meet the defending champions plus the two others which were among the top five finishers in Sydney the last time out, with the Tall Ferns a Semi-Finalist.
To say that it's a tall order is an understatement.
But really, the bigger question mark for this squad could be manpower. Kim Pierre-Louis is doubtful to see action in this year's contest and it would be a blow so massive if ever she will not be taking part.
The University of Massachusetts product was a major driving force behind their conquest of Division B back in 2023 as proven by her double-double average of 18.0 points and 12.8 rebounds.
In the event that she won't be around, then much of the responsibilities will rest on the locals' shoulders, particularly lead playmaker Agustin Gradita and her fellow vets Nathania Orville and Clarita Antonio.
These three have fought many battles together while representing Timnas and achieved success, too, especially in the regional level. But the fast-approaching tournament should arguably be their biggest test thus far.
To know more about Indonesia in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025, click here.
FIBA