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| SUB48 Joins SBY48 in PDKI Records as Surabaya Idol Group Rumours Heat Up |
A fresh trademark filing has once again sent JKT48 fans into detective mode after the name SUB48 appeared in Indonesia's Intellectual Property Database (PDKI). The discovery has quickly reignited speculation that Surabaya could eventually become home to a new local sister group under the wider 48 Group banner. There is still no official announcement, but that has hardly stopped fans from connecting the dots. If there is one thing idol fandoms never lack, it is enthusiasm and a willingness to turn every small clue into a full-scale investigation.
The latest discussion began after fans noticed that SUB48 had recently been registered on the PDKI database. Almost immediately, the filing was linked to long-running rumours surrounding a possible Surabaya-based sister group for JKT48. While the trademark itself does not confirm that an idol group is in development, its appearance has revived conversations that first gained momentum nearly two years ago.
The reason this story feels familiar is because SBY48 previously appeared in the same database. Back in December 2024, a trademark application for SBY48 was submitted complete with a logo that closely resembled the familiar visual style used across the 48 Group franchise.
The filing attracted significant attention among fans, who believed it could be an early sign that Surabaya might eventually join the growing list of cities with their own local idol group.
According to information published through the Indonesian intellectual property database, SBY48 was filed on 10 December 2024 under application number JID2024129574. The application was submitted by PT Ihza Integrated Consulting, rather than the company that registered the JKT48 trademark.
The filing later entered the substantive examination stage, a routine legal process that determines whether a trademark can proceed towards approval. Like many trademark applications, reaching this stage does not automatically guarantee the project behind it will ever become reality.
Now, the arrival of SUB48 has added another layer to the mystery. Some fans believe the new name could simply be an alternative branding option, while others suspect it may represent a more polished identity than SBY48. "SUB" naturally points many people towards Surabaya, although there has been no official explanation behind the name.
Neither JKT48, PT Indonesia Musik Nusantara, nor AKB48 Group in Japan has commented on either trademark. Until that changes, everything surrounding both SUB48 and SBY48 remains firmly within the realm of speculation.
Trademark registrations are commonly filed to secure names, protect branding or reserve future opportunities. Plenty of registered names never develop into commercial projects, so fans may want to keep expectations realistic, even if excitement is running considerably higher than patience.
That has not stopped the rumour mill from working overtime. Social media has once again filled with theories about potential auditions, theatre locations and possible member recruitment if a Surabaya-based group were ever announced.
Others have jokingly suggested fans have become better trademark researchers than lawyers, refreshing the PDKI website more often than their own email inboxes.
Part of the excitement comes from Surabaya's long-standing relationship with JKT48. The city has regularly hosted theatre performances, special events and Meet & Greet sessions over the years, consistently attracting enthusiastic crowds.
Among Indonesian cities outside Jakarta, Surabaya has developed one of the strongest and most active fan communities, making it an obvious candidate whenever expansion rumours appear.
Some fans also recalled an earlier social media post from JKT48 management that playfully hinted at the possibility of a Surabaya-based sister group.
While nothing concrete followed, those old comments have resurfaced alongside the latest trademark discovery, giving supporters another reason to believe there could be more behind the speculation than simple coincidence.
The comparisons with Japan's 48 Group structure are difficult to ignore. AKB48 successfully expanded through regional sister groups including SKE48 in Nagoya, NMB48 in Osaka, HKT48 in Fukuoka and several others.
Many supporters have long argued that Indonesia's growing fanbase could eventually support another permanent local group outside Jakarta if the right conditions were met.
At the same time, another theory continues to circulate among fans. Some believe the trademarks may have no connection to JKT48 at all and instead wonder whether another organisation could be exploring the Indonesian market.
The speculation often points towards SNH48, the Shanghai-based group that separated from the AKB48 family and later built its own network of local sister groups across China. However, there is currently no evidence publicly linking SUB48 or SBY48 to SNH48, making this little more than fan discussion for now.
So what should fans realistically expect from SUB48 and SBY48? If either name eventually develops into an official project, it would likely follow many of the traditions established by other 48 Group franchises.
That could include local auditions, a dedicated theatre, regular performances, original members representing Surabaya and closer engagement with fans through events and handshake-style activities. A new regional group could also create fresh opportunities for young performers while expanding the overall reach of the Indonesian idol scene.
For now, however, the biggest expectation should probably be patience. Trademark filings are only one piece of a much larger puzzle, and without confirmation from the companies involved, there is no guarantee that either SUB48 or SBY48 will ever debut as an active idol group. Fans have certainly been here before, and history has shown that not every exciting filing ends with a stage, a debut song and matching costumes.
Until official statements arrive, SUB48 remains one of the biggest talking points among JKT48 followers. Whether it proves to be the beginning of a genuine expansion or simply another trademark reserved for the future, the conversation is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. Do you think Surabaya is finally ready for its own 48 Group sister team, or are fans reading a little too much into another trademark filing?