Indonesia’s Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka met with representatives from global game developer MOONTON Games and leading Indonesian esports athletes at the Vice Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta earlier this week, reaffirming the government’s continued commitment to strengthening the nation’s esports ecosystem.
The meeting, held on March 2, focused on the rapid growth of competitive gaming in Indonesia and its expanding role within the country’s digital and creative economy.
Officials and industry leaders discussed how esports has evolved beyond entertainment into a structured professional sector capable of generating new career opportunities, developing digital talent, and enhancing Indonesia’s presence on the global competitive gaming stage.
Government Support for Esports Growth
During the discussion, Vice President Gibran emphasized the importance of nurturing the country’s esports ecosystem through talent development, industry collaboration, and the cultivation of professional players.
Indonesia has seen significant growth in esports participation in recent years, with competitive gaming becoming increasingly integrated into the broader digital economy.
According to Kenny Deo, coach of Alter Ego Esports, the Vice President expressed strong support for initiatives aimed at identifying and developing young esports talent.
“The Vice President conveyed his commitment to supporting esports from various aspects, including strengthening the ecosystem, developing professional players, and expanding talent scouting for the next generation,” Deo said following the meeting.
The conversation also addressed the importance of building public awareness that esports represents a legitimate and rapidly expanding professional industry rather than simply a form of entertainment.
Indonesia’s Rising Global Esports Influence
Indonesia has emerged as one of the most influential esports markets in the world, particularly within the mobile gaming sector.
Titles such as Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) have become central to the country’s competitive gaming landscape, with Indonesian teams consistently performing at the highest levels of international competition.
The nation’s role in global esports was highlighted earlier this year when Jakarta hosted the M7 World Championship, the flagship global tournament for MLBB esports.
The event drew more than 5.68 million peak concurrent viewers, according to data from Esports Charts, making it the most-watched mobile esports tournament in history.
This milestone reinforced Indonesia’s position as one of the world’s largest and most engaged esports communities.
MOONTON Games’ Commitment to the Indonesian Market
MOONTON Games representatives welcomed the Vice President’s support and reiterated the company’s long-standing commitment to Indonesia’s gaming ecosystem.
Cherry Xia, Vice President and Head of Publishing and Esports at MOONTON Games, highlighted the country’s strategic importance to the company.
“The Vice President shared that he is grateful and excited to see how MLBB and the gaming industry are growing very well in Indonesia,” Xia said. “He also expressed hope that we can have more collaborations in the future and see programs not only in Jakarta but expanding to other regions across Indonesia.”
MOONTON Games has been present in Indonesia for more than a decade, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2026.
According to Xia, Indonesia remains a cornerstone of the company’s global esports ecosystem.
“We hope we can continue to grow and collaborate with local partners more deeply in the future. For us, we see ourselves as more than a game company. We feel we have a responsibility to help grow the gaming industry and the internet industry in Indonesia,” she added.
Community and Social Initiatives
Beyond competitive gaming, MOONTON Games has also partnered with local communities and organizations in Indonesia to support social initiatives and grassroots engagement.
During the month of Ramadan, the company launched its largest charity initiative to date, titled Golden Month.
The campaign aims to raise IDR 200 million through community participation and in-game activities to support children battling cancer and underprivileged youth.
Such initiatives highlight the growing intersection between gaming communities, social responsibility, and broader cultural engagement within Southeast Asia’s esports ecosystem.
Building a Sustainable Esports Ecosystem
Indonesia’s government and industry stakeholders increasingly recognize esports as an important component of the country’s digital economy.
As one of the world’s fastest-growing gaming markets, Indonesia continues to produce professional esports teams, influential creators, and large-scale international tournaments.
The meeting between Vice President Gibran and MOONTON Games reflects a broader effort to strengthen cooperation between government institutions, industry leaders, and esports organizations.
Such partnerships are expected to play a crucial role in developing sustainable competitive structures, nurturing future digital athletes, and expanding opportunities across Indonesia’s rapidly evolving esports landscape.