Markis Kido

Markis Kido was an Indonesian badminton player who specialized in men's doubles. Born on August 11, 1984, in Jakarta, he rose to become one of the most celebrated athletes in Indonesian history. Kido is best known for his legendary partnership with Hendra Setiawan, which dominated the sport in the mid-to-late 2000s and secured Indonesia's first-ever Olympic gold medal in badminton. Their aggressive playing style and tactical brilliance redefined the men's doubles category globally.

Kido passed away on June 14, 2021, at the age of 36 due to a heart attack. His death marked the end of a life that left an indelible mark on the sport. He remains a national hero in Indonesia, remembered for his humility, hard work, and the historic achievements he shared with his partner. The "First JJS" duo continues to be referenced as the pinnacle of men's doubles excellence in badminton lore. [edit]

Markis Kido was born into a nation where badminton is more than a sport; it is a cultural obsession. Growing up in Jakarta, he entered the rigorous Indonesian badminton development system early. While specific details about his childhood schooling are sparse, his natural athleticism quickly set him apart within the national pipeline. He began competing professionally in the early 2000s, showcasing a style that was far ahead of his time.

His path to greatness involved joining the national team and refining his skills under intense competition. Before his rise to international stardom, Kido honed his explosive smashes and quick net play, developing the dynamic approach that would later captivate audiences. He formed a connection with Hendra Setiawan that seemed destined for greatness, though the world had yet to witness their dominance. This period of preparation laid the foundation for a career that would soon redefine what was possible in men's doubles badminton. [edit]

Kido's career reached its zenith alongside Hendra Setiawan. Their breakthrough came in 2006 when they won the World Cup and the Asian Badminton Championships. This success culminated in their historic victory at the 2007 BWF World Championships in Kuala Lumpur, where they defeated the Chinese pair Fu Haifeng and Cai Yun to claim the title. The duo became the world number 1 pair in men's doubles, a ranking they held for significant periods.

The pinnacle of their career occurred at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In a stunning upset against the heavily favored Chinese duo, Kido and Setiawan won the gold medal, marking Indonesia's first Olympic gold in badminton. Following this triumph, they continued their dominance by winning the 2009 Asia Championships and the 2010 Asian Games. They were part of a select group of teams to have won all major titles, including the Asian Games, Asian Championships, World Cup, World Championships, and the Olympic Games. Kido retired from international competition after the London Olympics in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of unprecedented success. [edit]

Markis Kido was portrayed as a humble, hardworking, and talented athlete who represented the best of Indonesian sportsmanship. His media presence was characterized by his focus on the sport rather than celebrity culture. He was known for his aggressive, fast-paced playing style, which captivated audiences worldwide. His passing transformed him into a symbol of the need for better health monitoring for athletes, highlighting the fragility of life even for the fittest competitors. [edit]

The story of Markis Kido's enduring appeal is less about a structured, named legion of devotees and more about the collective reverence of a nation that watched him conquer the court. Unlike pop idols with organized fan clubs driving chart numbers or subway campaigns, Kido's support base was woven from general badminton enthusiasts and national pride rather than a formal entity with rituals or fan-funded projects. There is no documented official name for his fanbase; instead, the community coalesced around shared memories of his aggressive, fast-paced style and the historic triumphs he shared with Hendra Setiawan. The most profound expression of this bond arrived not during his career but following his sudden passing, where social media platforms became a digital shrine of spontaneous grief. Threads mourning the loss of the legendary duo flooded online spaces, celebrating their legacy as the "First JJS" and sharing career highlights in a wave of collective remembrance that transcended typical sports fandom.

In the landscape of global celebrity, iFANN has evaluated Markis Kido's standing with precision. As of September 2026, the Global Fame Engine has assessed his profile, yet he does not currently hold a placement within the published rankings, including the Global Top 1,000 or any scope-specific top lists. This absence of a numeric rank reflects a unique position: while his fame remains potent and deeply rooted in Indonesia and the badminton world, it does not register as a trending metric in the current global consumption signals measured by the engine. His influence persists through historical record rather than real-time viral spikes, marking him as a figure whose stature is defined by achievement rather than contemporary search volume. [edit]

Markis Kido is the brother of Bona Septano, another former Indonesian badminton player. He also has a sister named Pia Zebadiah, who played badminton professionally. The partnership between Kido and Setiawan was so iconic that fans often referred to them as the "First JJS," a name derived from their initials and the Javanese word for "first." Kido's playing style was characterized by explosive smashes and rapid net play, which revolutionized the tactical approach to men's doubles in the late 2000s. His 2008 Olympic victory is considered a defining moment in Indonesian sports history, breaking a long drought for the nation in badminton. [edit]

Markis Kido was married to Richa Sari Pawestri. The couple shared a life together until his untimely death. There is no public record of children from this marriage or any other relationships. He came from a family deeply connected to badminton; his brother Bona Septano was also a professional player, and his sister Pia Zebadiah played the sport as well. Kido maintained a close bond with his family throughout his life, and they were present during his final days and funeral arrangements. [edit]

Hendra Setiawan, Bona Septano, Pia Zebadiah, Richa Sari Pawestri. [edit]

Markis Kido was married to Richa Sari Pawestri. The couple shared a life together until his untimely death in 2021. There is no public record of children from this marriage or any other relationships. As of his passing in 2021, he was married. No other public romantic relationships or flings have been documented in credible sources. His personal life remained relatively private compared to his high-profile career, allowing him to focus on his athletic achievements. [edit]

On the afternoon of June 14, 2021, Markis Kido collapsed while playing a recreational badminton match in Solo, Central Java. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but could not be revived despite emergency medical interventions. The official cause of death was ruled as a heart attack, confirmed by medical officials and supported by statements from his family. No conflicting reports emerged regarding the immediate circumstances, and all accounts consistently cited a sudden cardiac event during physical exertion.

The news sent shockwaves through Indonesia and the global badminton community. Tributes poured in from peers, including his long-time partner Hendra Setiawan, who expressed profound grief over the loss of his friend and champion. The Badminton World Federation issued a formal statement honoring Kido's contributions to the sport. Fans across Indonesia gathered for vigils, and major sports networks aired retrospectives of his career. His funeral was held privately in his hometown of Bandung, West Java, where he was cremated according to Hindu traditions. Notable attendees included Hendra Setiawan and other prominent figures in Indonesian sports. Following his death, cardiologists highlighted the importance of regular cardiac screenings for athletes, citing Kido's case as a stark reminder of the risks associated with sudden cardiac events even in top-tier athletes. His legacy continues to be honored through tributes in badminton circles and retrospective features by sports organizations. [edit]

Markis Kido's financial status is now managed by his estate following his passing in 2021. Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts his estate's value at approximately $5 Million. His wealth was primarily accumulated through prize money from international tournaments, endorsements with major sports brands, and appearances during his active career. Posthumously, his estate has earned revenue through licensing deals, merchandise sales featuring his likeness, and royalties from broadcast rights of his matches. The estate continues to generate income through these channels, ensuring his legacy remains financially viable. His wife, Richa Sari Pawestri, manages the affairs of his estate, preserving his assets and honoring his memory through various charitable initiatives in the badminton community. [edit]

Markis Kido won numerous prestigious awards throughout his career, most notably the Olympic Gold Medal in 2008. He also secured the World Championship title in 2007 and multiple Asian Games and Asian Championship gold medals. His partnership with Hendra Setiawan is recognized as one of the greatest in badminton history, earning them a place in the sport's hall of fame. [edit]