Jakarta. Syabda Perkasa Belawa, a key member of the national badminton training center, died in a traffic accident that also killed his mother in the Central Java town of Pemalang early on Monday. He was 21.

Syabda was part of the national squad in the 2022 Men’s Group Thomas Cup Championship. He won at least three international trophies in men’s singles in the Lithuanian International Series 2022, the Malaysia International Series 2022, and most recently the Iran International Series 2023.

According to the local police, a Toyota Camry sedan carrying Syabda and his family traveled at a high speed when it hit the rear of a truck on a toll road in Pemalang at around 3:40 a.m.

The sedan was driven by Syabda’s father, Muanis Hadi Sutamti.

“The Camry sedan traveled on the left lane at a speed above the average,” Pemalang Traffic Police head Adjunct Comr. Achmad Riedwan told Antara news agency.

Driver’s fatigue is suspected to be the cause of the accident, the officer added.

Syabda and his mother Anik Sulistyowati, 48, died instantly at the scene, while his father is currently being treated at a hospital in critical condition.

His sisters Diana Sakti Anistyawati and Tahta Bathari Cahyaloka sustained minor injuries.

The funeral ceremony was held at the family's hometown of Sragen, Central Java, in the afternoon.

The Indonesian Badminton Association, or PBSI, said Syabda was a key asset in the national team as it mourned for his loss.

"The PBSI, all players, and badminton lovers are saddened by the tragic loss of Syabda, who was known as a player with lots of talent and strength," PBSI Chairman Agung Firman Sampurna said in a statement.

A roommate at the training center in Cipayung, Jakarta, described Syabda as an exuberant and cheerful personality who overwhelmed teammates.

"I’m really saddened by the passing of Syabda. He was a cheerful roommate who always improved the mood," Christian Adinata said.

Add as a preferred source on Google +