They are Ihsan Maulana Mustofa, Anthony Sinisuka Ginting, and Jonatan Christie who are also his batch in Cipayung. Unfortunately, Firman who had been expected to achieve success in men’s singles is way below his
three compatriots.

At the BIOSSP 2016, Firman was forced to pack up early as he failed to fulfill the target set by Indonesia Badminton Association. He was stunned in the qualifying round by Singapore’s Zi Liang Derek Wong,
17-21, 24-26 at the Senayan Stadium, Jakarta, Monday (30/5).

Although losing two games straight, Firman, the world 116th, was displaying a fierce battle while fighting a far more superior , the world 64th Wong.

"This has become my second failures at the BCA Indonesia Open, I still have a lot of things to improve. In the first game I was overwhelmed by netting play and I had a weak defense,” Firman said after his match. "My target is qualified to the main round. For my self improvement, I must improve my stamina and practice harder,” said the Indonesia Masters 2014 runner up.

Next, Firman will perform at the Taiwan Grand Prix Gold next week. He hopes he can play better.

When asked about the target fr this year, Firman said he wanted to overcome his three partners who are now comfortably positioned in their best ranks. He claims his three partners and he have equal skills and techniques, the difference is he is lacking stamina. 

"I want to compete with them (Ihsan, Anthony dan Jonatan). I have to increase and maintain my stamina by practicing harder than they do. I also have to be more disciplined so that I can be at my best shape,” he added.