RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s success in hosting the M7 World Championship Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) 2026 and finishing as runner-up has strengthened its position as a global esports hub. The government sees this momentum as an opportunity to accelerate the development of the national gaming industry.

Deputy Minister of Creative Economy, Irene Umar, said the government views the gaming industry not only as a digital entertainment trend but as a strategic ecosystem that must be developed sustainably.

“In addition, there is a significant segment in government relations, with the presence of several foreign officials participating in the event. In the future, coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also be strengthened to support international event diplomacy,” she said in Jakarta on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, as quoted on the ministry’s official website.

According to Irene, esports growth in Indonesia has shown a positive trend in recent years, supported by a large youth population and widespread internet penetration.

The industry ecosystem is also expanding rapidly, including game developers, tournament organizers, professional teams, content creators, and supporting businesses such as event organizers and technology providers. This value chain opens new economic opportunities and contributes to thenational Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The M7 event in Surakarta, Central Java, demonstrated the economic impact of global esports tournaments. In one month, the event recorded nearly USD 4 million in investment and involved around 2,200 workers.

The tournament also boosted tourism and foreign exchange earnings, with 22 teams from various countries competing and 35 international officials attending. Ticket sales to overseas fans exceeded USD 15,000, while each team brought an average of 30 people, including players, coaches, management, and support staff.

Irene said the ministry acted as a facilitator, bringing stakeholders together to ensure effective and mutually beneficial collaboration. “We have a local gaming industry and creators that need to be continuously encouraged. The game developer ecosystem in Indonesia consists of various groups with different characteristics, and all of them have the potential to contribute to national economic growth,” she said.

Through collaboration among ministries, industry players, and international partners, the government believes the gaming subsector has the potential to become a new pillar of national economic growth. Data-driven and strategic planning partnerships will be key to maximizing this opportunity. ***