Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi to Miss Next Season in Korea Due to Injury
Jakarta – Indonesian volleyball star Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi will not be returning to the South Korean V-League for the 2026/2027 season, according to reports. The news comes as the league nears the end of its regular season and as Megawati continues her recovery from a knee injury sustained during her time with the Daejeon Red Sparks.
Megawati quickly became a fan favorite and key player in the V-League, leading the Red Sparks to playoff contention during the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons. Her absence will be keenly felt, particularly as the league introduces a latest free agent system for Asian players next season, removing the previous selection process for Asian player quotas.
Red Sparks Struggle, New League Rules
The Daejeon Red Sparks finished the 2025/2026 season at the bottom of the league standings. This coincided with increased speculation surrounding Megawati’s future, as teams began evaluating potential acquisitions for the upcoming season. The new league rule change, allowing free transfers for Asian players, initially fueled hopes that Megawati would be able to choose her next Korean club without the constraints of a draft or selection process.
Megawati’s performance with the Red Sparks had been exceptional. In the most recent completed season, she amassed an impressive 802 points during the regular season, forming a potent offensive duo with Vanja Bukilic, who contributed 638 points. Her impact on the team’s success was undeniable.
Injury Recovery the Priority
Rumors of Megawati’s potential return to the V-League surfaced in December, initially stemming from comments made by her agent. However, those hopes have now been dashed by the confirmation of her ongoing recovery from a knee injury. According to reports from SBS News, Megawati requires further rehabilitation before she can return to competitive play.
“As the Korean regular season comes to an end, we wish to clarify our position to avoid misleading clubs who are curious about Mega’s future,” her agent stated. “Mega remains determined to challenge on the Korean stage with a healthy body after completing her knee treatment.”
Although the Red Sparks were reportedly interested in re-signing Megawati, other Korean clubs were also said to be vying for her signature. A move back to the V-League could have potentially earned Megawati a salary of approximately US$170,000 (roughly Rp2.8 billion) per season.
Looking Ahead: Turkey Beckons
Despite the setback with her Korean return, Megawati’s career continues to progress. She has recently joined Turkey’s Manisa BBSK Volleyball Club, as reported by Tempo.co English. [3] This move represents a new chapter for the Indonesian star, offering her the opportunity to compete at a high level in a different European league.
Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi, born September 20, 1999, has become a pivotal figure in Indonesian volleyball. Standing at 185 cm (6 ft 1 in), she currently plays as an outside hitter/opposite hitter. She has represented Indonesia on numerous international stages, including the 2017 SEA Games, where she contributed significantly to Indonesia’s silver medal finish. [2] Her participation in the 2023 Asian Challenge Cup and multiple SEA Games teams (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023) demonstrates her consistent commitment to the national team. [2]
The decision to prioritize her health and continue her career in Turkey underscores Megawati’s dedication to her long-term athletic goals. While Korean fans will undoubtedly miss her presence in the V-League, her continued success on the international stage will be closely followed by supporters around the world.
The upcoming season in Turkey will be a key test for Megawati as she adapts to a new league and continues her recovery. Fans will be eager to see her back on the court, showcasing the skills that have made her one of the most exciting players in the sport.
Next Up: Megawati will begin training with Manisa BBSK in preparation for the Turkish volleyball season, with details on the schedule to be announced by the club. Follow official team channels for updates.
