Indonesia Tightens Game Ratings Amid Extremist Content Concerns

KBRN, Jakarta: Prevention efforts against extremist ideology in the digital sphere have become more urgent following the discovery of radical content in several online games.

The Indonesian Game Association (AGI) stressed that the national rating system must be strengthened to close loopholes in the dissemination of dangerous ideas.

AGI Chairman Shafiq Husein highlighted the importance of maximizing the Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) as the primary filter before games are released to the public. He said the system plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy national gaming ecosystem.

“IGRS can be the front gate to ensure that no negative content or radical ideas slip through to the public,” Shafiq said in Jakarta on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He explained that strengthening the rating system is crucial so that prevention begins at the early stages of distribution. IGRS provides protection and guidance for industry players and parents through its age-based classification system, ranging from 3+, 7+, 13+, 15+, to 18+.

AGI emphasized the need for stricter monitoring of game content amid the growing online activity of children. Optimizing the system, it added, will also strengthen public trust in the local gaming industry.

Deputy for Prevention, Protection, and Deradicalization at the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Maj. Gen. Sudaryanto warned of ideological infiltration through online games. “Radical groups are now using online games to recruit young people,” he said.

He explained that recruitment often begins with in-game communication, then moves to social media platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram, where intolerant ideas are spread gradually.

Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs Meutya Hafid confirmed police findings of a terrorist network recruiting children through gaming platforms. The discovery resulted from collaboration among the ministry, the Indonesian National Police, and the BNPT. ***