Dame Diagne Officially Becomes an IBL Local Player, Can Strengthen the Indonesian Basketball National Team

Dame Diagne officially has the status of a local player in the 2026 Indonesia Basketball League (IBL). (Photo/Satria Muda)

JAKARTA - Satria Muda Pertamina Bandung announced that their player Dame Diagne has been designated as a local player based on the decision of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

The decision is contained in an official FIBA letter dated December 11, 2025. Thus, Dame Diagne has fulfilled all the requirements to play as an Indonesian local player and is entitled to defend the Indonesian national team without restrictions in accordance with the applicable FIBA regulations.

Satria Muda Pertamina Bandung President Director, Christian Ronaldo Sitepu, welcomed the decision positively and assessed this status change as an important momentum for the club and the development of national basketball.

"Dame is a player who has grown and developed with Satria Muda and the Indonesian basketball ecosystem," Christian said in a statement received.

This update has also been confirmed by the Central Board of Directors of the Indonesian Basketball Association (DPP Perbasi) and submitted to the Indonesian Basketball League (IBL).

Director of Sports of Satria Muda Pertamina Bandung, Youbel Sondakh, emphasized that the status of local players makes Dame Diagne's role more strategic in the composition of the Satria Muda team in the future.

"For us, this is also a blessing. In the last few seasons, including the IBL competition, we have felt the need for a player with Dame's character," said Youbel.

Dame Diagne previously was part of the Indonesian national basketball team and contributed to presenting a bronze medal in the 2025 SEA Games which took place in Thailand last month.

This achievement is proof of Dame's real contribution at the international level as well as confirming his role as a player who is developing and ready to compete at the highest level.

"Dame is an energetic player, both in training and in matches, and his presence brings a new color to the team. His contribution is very felt from both the defense and the attack," said Youbel.

The 2026 IBL competition will begin on January 10. Satria Muda will start their journey in the competition by playing against the Tangerang Hawks Basketball Club at the Indomilk Arena on January 11.