Harbin, China, August 11, 2025: Indonesians Rafif Putra and Nathania Insyirah earned a place to represent the country at the 2025 OCA-ISU-CAIC Asian Figure Skating Youth Camp by virtue of shining at the National Championships back home in April.
Rafif, 16, was the junior boy's champion while Nathania, 14, finished second in her category. Federasi Ice Skating Indonesia – the country’s governing body – picked the pair for Harbin as they believe both have potential to shine internationally.
“They are very talented, and having done well at this year’s Nationals, it was no surprise that FISI picked them when invited to send a boy and girl to this camp,” says Indonesian coach Alberto Aguilar.
Rafif and Nathania have already represented Indonesia on the international arena, having taken part in the Philippines Open in Manila earlier this year. After the nine-day training camp ends in Harbin on August 18, they will travel to Bangkok for the Thailand Junior Grand Prix.
“This is a good opportunity for us to learn and improve our skating skills,” says Nathania.
Rafif adds: “I’m super excited to attend such a camp where I can mix with participants from other countries.”
The Indonesian teenagers skate at the country’s only Olympic-sized skating rink – the Oasis Centre Arena in Jakarta.
“We are also from the OCA,” laughs coach Aguilar, a Filipino who six years ago was hired to oversee a skating programme in Indonesia run by a private entity.
“The company I work for has around 13 rinks in all parts of Indonesia. The crown jewel is of course the rink in Jakarta, and we have a lot of youngsters participating in the sport,” says Aguilar, who formerly coached Michael Martinez, the first Olympic figure skater from the Philippines.
Now Aguilar has set his sights on producing a first Olympic figure skater for Indonesia.
“We are very fortunate to have a programme like this, and we are thankful for the Olympic Council of Asia and the Chinese authorities for organising this camp. What is good is that it is not only for young kids, but also for coaches like us, where we can learn from international experts. Just like Rafif and Nathania, I’m also excited to be here,” Aguilar added.
