Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi

Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi is an Indonesian professional speed climber who has become one of the most exciting talents in her sport. Born in Buleleng, Bali, she specializes in the 15-meter sprint up the wall, where she consistently challenges the world's best. In 2023, she earned a spot on the BBC's 100 Women list, a nod to her influence both on and off the climbing wall.

As of 2026, Desak is a two-time World Climbing Series gold medalist, having won back-to-back events in Krakow and Chamonix in July 2026. Her precision and explosive power have made her a fan favorite, especially in Indonesia, where she represents a new wave of climbing excellence. She continues to train and compete at the highest level, inspiring young athletes across the country. [edit]

Desak grew up in Buleleng, a regency on the northern coast of Bali known for its mountains and waterfalls. She discovered climbing as a teenager, drawn to the physical and mental challenge it offered. Indonesia's climbing program was gaining momentum after the sport's inclusion in the Olympics, and Desak quickly stood out for her natural speed and dedication.

She trained rigorously, often at local climbing gyms and outdoor crags, honing the explosive starts and precise footwork that define elite speed climbers. Her early competitions were mostly national, where she consistently placed on the podium. These results caught the attention of national coaches, who brought her into the fold of Indonesia's speed climbing squad. By her early twenties, she had already set personal bests under 7 seconds, signaling her arrival on the international scene. [edit]

Desak's breakthrough came in 2023 when she was named to the BBC's 100 Women list, a recognition that put her name alongside global influencers. That same year, she began making waves in the World Climbing Series, consistently reaching finals and pushing the sport's top athletes.

In July 2026, she won her first World Climbing Series gold in Krakow, then followed it up with another gold in Chamonix, France, on July 12, 2026. In the Chamonix final, she clocked 6.22 seconds, defeating Italy's Giulia Randi (6.51) and France's Capucine Viglione (6.41). Her performance helped Indonesia take home three of six speed medals that weekend, including two golds. These victories cemented her status as a leading contender for the next Olympics. [edit]

Desak is seen as a rising star in Indonesian sport, embodying the country's growing dominance in speed climbing. Her public image is that of a dedicated, humble athlete who lets her performances speak. She is particularly popular among young Indonesian fans who see her as proof that athletes from smaller towns can reach the world stage. Her inclusion on the BBC's 100 Women list in 2023 elevated her beyond sport, making her a symbol of women's empowerment in Indonesia. On social media, she shares training updates and motivational messages, connecting with fans who admire her discipline and positive attitude. [edit]

Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi is currently evaluated by the iFANN Global Fame Engine but holds no placement in the published rankings. While she dominates the speed climbing circuit as the world's top-ranked female climber, her global celebrity footprint has not yet crossed the threshold into the Top 1,000 list. Her support base is an organic coalition of Indonesian sports enthusiasts and international climbing purists rather than a formalized fan club. There is no official fandom name documented for Desak; her followers rally around national pride and the specific thrill of her record-breaking ascents. Unlike pop stars who cultivate branded armies, Desak's community engages through shared celebration of her historic achievements, such as becoming the first Indonesian rock climber to qualify for the Olympic Games. Her influence is felt most strongly on Instagram, where her direct posts about training and victories resonate with nearly 28,000 followers who view her as a trailblazer from Singaraja. The dynamic between athlete and audience remains grounded in performance metrics rather than idol worship. Fans do not organize subway campaigns or birthday billboards under a specific banner; instead, they mark their loyalty through media engagement during her gold medal sweeps at events like the World Climbing Series in Krakow and Chamonix. This lack of a structured organization reflects her status as a serious professional in a technical sport, where the only true currency is time on the wall.[edit]

Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi shattered the Asian record in women's speed climbing at the World Climbing Asia Championship Meishan in April 2026, securing the continental title with a display of raw power that redefined regional expectations. Just days later, she clocked the third-fastest time ever recorded in the sport's history during the same event's finals, cementing her legacy as a global powerhouse. She also made history as the first Indonesian rock climber to secure a spot for the Olympic Games, opening a door for future generations from her hometown of Buleleng. Her winning time of 6.22 seconds in Chamonix remains among her fastest career performances, though the women's world record currently stands at 6.06 seconds, set by Emma Hunt. She trains with the Indonesian national team, which has become a dominant force in speed climbing, often winning multiple medals at international events. Desak is active on Instagram at @desakmaderita01, where she shares training clips and behind-the-scenes moments with fans. Her name, Desak Made, follows Balinese naming traditions, with 'Made' indicating that she is the second-born child. She has expressed admiration for fellow Indonesian climbers who paved the way, including Aries Susanti Rahayu.[edit]

Desak keeps her family life private, but she has mentioned in interviews that her parents have been supportive of her climbing career from the start. She grew up in Buleleng with her siblings, though their names and details are not public. As of 2026, she is focused on her athletic career and has not shared information about a partner or children. [edit]

Desak competes alongside the world's best speed climbers, including American world record holder Emma Hunt, who she faced in the 2026 season. At the Chamonix event, she defeated Italy's Giulia Randi in the final, while France's Capucine Viglione took third. She is part of the Indonesian national climbing team, which includes other top athletes like Aries Susanti Rahayu and Rajiah Sallsabillah. [edit]

Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi has kept her personal life out of the spotlight. There are no public records of her dating anyone, and she has not been linked to any romantic partners. As of 2026, she appears to be single and focused on her climbing career. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Desak Made Rita Kusuma Dewi's net worth at $1 Million as of 2026. Her income primarily comes from competition prize money, national team funding, and sponsorship deals. Speed climbing, while growing in popularity, offers modest prize purses compared to mainstream sports, so her earnings are supplemented by endorsements from climbing brands and sports equipment companies. As she continues to win international medals, her marketability is likely to increase, potentially boosting her net worth in the coming years.[edit]

Desak has won multiple gold medals in the World Climbing Series, including back-to-back victories in Krakow and Chamonix in 2026. She was also named to the BBC's 100 Women list in 2023, an honor that recognizes influential women globally. [edit]