After her spectacular performance with the Korean volleyball club, Red Spark, Indonesian volleyball star Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi is set to begin a new chapter in her career. Manisa Büyükşehir Belediye Spor Kulübü (Manisa BBSK), a Turkish volleyball team, has officially announced Megawati as their new player, making her the first Indonesian volleyball star to compete in the Turkish league.
From V-League Star to Turkish Challenger
After two successful years in the Korean V-League, she decided not to extend her contract with Red Spark, her former club. Despite delivering outstanding performances and achieving several proud milestones in Korea, her decision to return to her homeland was firm.
However, after marrying finswimming athlete Dio Novandra Wibawa, she announced her volleyball comeback on July 5, 2025, confirming her move to Manisa BBSK. Since she had always dreamed of playing in the Turkish league, this announcement not only marks a major accomplishment for her but also reflects her strong dedication to volleyball.
Manisa BBSK is a Turkish club that operates in Kadınlar 1. Ligi, which is the Manisa BBSK currently competes in Kadınlar 1. Ligi, the second division of the Turkish volleyball league system. At first glance, Mega’s move might look like a step down, considering her former club was on Tier 1 of the Korean professional league.
On the contrary, this is actually a strategic decision. The Turkish volleyball ecosystem is one of the most competitive in the world, with the Sultanlar Ligi recognized as a global powerhouse. With Manisa BBSK’s clear mission to gain promotion to Sultanlar Ligi, Megawati positions herself as a key figure in their ambitious journey to the top tier.
Journey as A Volleyball Athlete
Her professional career began in 2015, when she joined Surabaya Bank Jatim in Indonesia’s Premier Division Livoli. A major turning point came in mid-2023, when she signed with the Korean V-League team Daejeon Red Sparks.
During her time with Red Sparks, Megawati earned the nickname “Megatron” for her explosive and dominant offensive skills. Her impact was evident as she led the team to historic achievements, including reaching the playoffs for the first time in seven years and securing a runner-up finish.
Her move to Manisa BBSK is different from her experience at Red Spark. While Red Spark played in Korea’s top-tier league (V-League), Manisa BBSK competes in Turkey’s second division. This means her previous success in Korea may not directly guarantee the same results in Turkey. However, if she adapts well, this opportunity could elevate her to even higher positions—potentially in the Sultanlar Ligi or other top international leagues.
Debut for Manisa BBSK
Megawati is set to join Manisa BBSK for 2025-2026, which means we probably could see Megawati’s debut performance in October 2025 as the new season for Kadınlar 1. Ligi begins.
After suffering a knee injury in April 2025, she has now fully recovered and was recently seen passing a medical examination at Metropol Private Hospital, Turkey. This confirms that she is fit and ready to compete at the professional level once again.
Global Reaction
Megawati’s signing with Manisa BBSK has sparked massive excitement, especially in Indonesia. As one of the nation’s most celebrated athletes, her move to Turkey is seen not only as a personal milestone but also as a source of national pride, symbolizing Indonesia’s growing presence on the global volleyball stage.
Her highly anticipated debut with Manisa BBSK solidifies her reputation further, which also potentially paves the way for future transfers of Indonesian athletes to Turkey’s elite clubs. Her journey continues to inspire a new generation with a story of ambition and resilience.
