GM Utut Adianto : Chess Legend of Indonesia. Part 1

In the vast archipelago of Indonesia, chess is played by millions of enthusiasts, both young and old. Chess is played in the aroma-filled street coffeehouses, in front of wide eyed students in schools, and in the comforts of one home. As such, it is no surprise that strong players have risen from time to time from among the people.

Perhaps the strongest is GM Utut Adianto

Born in Jakarta, Adianto, of five siblings, learned chess from his older brother. Evidently enraptured by the game, he grew strong enough to win the Jakarta Junior Championship at the age of 12. 

He was awarded the GM title in 1986, the youngest Indonesian to earn the title. Here is a victory a year after,  beating future tournament organizer Stuart Conquest ;

As his love for the game grew even stronger, he even entertained the idea of dropping out of a prestigious university in Indonesia to pursue his career in chess (although he eventually did finish his studies).

After graduating, he snagged a normal office job is Jakarta, and had a steady income. However, you can take the player out of chess, but you can't take the chess out of a player. Utut quit his job in 1991 and began to seriously take on life through the prism of the 8x8 checkered board. Life was not easy, as he had to control his expenditure on a tight budget, but his love for the game kept him going. Huge credit is due to the patience and understanding of his fiance and his in-laws, who supported his passion to become a professional chess player. 

Did he make it to the big time? Did he become an elite chess player, respected internationally? Did he wave the Indonesian flag in the chess scene for decades to come? Did it come at the cost of family and friends? 

Part 2 will be released next week. Stay tuned!