Govt Explores Esports Industry Cooperation

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s esports industry is emerging as a new engine of growth for the national creative economy, with the government opening broader opportunities for collaboration with global gaming companies to strengthen the digital ecosystem and nurture young talent.

The Ministry of Creative Economy is exploring strategic cooperation with Riot Games to expand esports development in Indonesia. Discussions include strengthening digital creative talent, organizing international tournaments, and collaborating with local game developers.

“Today, games are not just entertainment products, but also platforms that connect culture, technology, creativity, and economic opportunities. Indonesia has a very large and dynamic gaming ecosystem,” said Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, during a meeting with Riot Games executives in Jakarta on Thursday, May 14, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

Minister Riefky noted that Indonesia’s youth are now active not only as players but also as content creators, streamers, event organizers, musicians, and game developers. He believes this potential opens new economic opportunities that require serious and measured support.

“We see that esports has a significant economic impact across various sectors, ranging from the creative industry, event production, and tourism to job creation for the younger generation,” he said.

The meeting, held at the Autograph Tower Thamrin Nine in Jakarta, also discussed the development of tiered esports tournaments from regional to national levels. The government is encouraging local creators’ involvement in Riot Games initiatives across music, illustration, visual art, fashion, and local intellectual property (IP).

Riot Games executives highlighted Indonesia’s strategic role in Asia-Pacific esports development, citing the popularity of VALORANT and League of Legends as evidence of the company’s strong connection with Indonesia’s youth.

“Indonesia is currently one of the strongest regions in VALORANT APAC. We want to open broader competitive pathways so that Indonesian talent has access to the international stage,” said Jake Sin, Head of VALORANT Esports Product at Riot Games.

Riot Games also outlined plans for the VALORANT Champions Tour (VCT) Asia-Pacific, including the establishment of an independent professional competition circuit in Indonesia starting in 2027 and the possibility of hosting an APAC-level tournament in 2028.

Both parties are exploring collaboration for the 2026 World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE), which will take place in Jakarta this October. The forum will feature gaming and digital content subsectors through the Screenverse program, underscoring Indonesia’s commitment to positioning esports as part of its broader creative economy strategy. ***