On July 23, 2026, a fan on X has been observed in Indonesia’s Intellectual Property Database (PDKI), there’s a new trademark named “SUB48”.
Fans quickly linked this discovery to speculation about a potential JKT48 sister group based in Surabaya.
This is not the first time such speculation has arisen. In December 2024, the trademark “SBY48” (widely interpreted as Surabaya48) was registered in the same database.
The similarity in naming style to the 48 Group format fueled rumors that management was preparing a new idol group in Indonesia’s second-largest city.
The recent appearance of “SUB48,” reportedly filed by the same party, has reignited those discussions.
It must be clearly emphasized that this remains purely a rumor.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation from JKT48 management, PT Indonesia Musik Nusantara, or the AKB48 Group in Japan.
Trademark registrations in the PDKI are commonly made to protect brand names from unauthorized commercial use, but they do not automatically indicate that a project will move forward.
Many registered trademarks never result in actual launches.JKT48, the first international sister group of AKB48, debuted in Jakarta in 2011.
JKT48 regularly holds events, temporary theaters, and Meet & Greet sessions in Surabaya, reflecting a strong local fanbase. (Overseasidol.com)
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