The award is significant to Butet, because a) it means that she is acknowledged by both Indonesia and the international public, and b), she is the second Indonesian athlete inducted in the Hall of Fame, after no less a giantess than Susi Susanti. “This award is very meaningful to me. It means that the world acknowledges my achievement, that I make the count. I hope that this award will spur the younger generation to achieve more and continue to highlight Indonesia’s reputation,” she said.
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By receiving the award, Butet becomes the tenth Indonesian to be inducted to the BWF Hall of Fame after Rudy Hartono, Dick Sudirman, Christian Hadinata, Liem Swie King, Susi Susanti, Tjun Tjun, Johan Wahyudi, Rexy Mainaky, and Ricky Soebagdja. To repeat, the award is granted to worthy retired athletes and figures in global badminton. Liliyana was deemed worthy after she proved herself by securing major titles, including the All England Doubles hat trick with Tontowi Ahmad, the Singles gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and four Mixed Doubles world titles (twice with Nova Widhianto and twice with Tontowi).
Congratulations, Butet! You are a pride and joy to Indonesia. (rp)