Jakarta, July 28, 2026 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar, received representatives of the Indonesian Electronic Sports Association (IESPA) and Garudaku at the Ministry of Creative Economy office in Jakarta, Tuesday (28/7). The meeting discussed opportunities for collaboration in strengthening talent and developing the national esports industry ecosystem with the IESPA management board for the 2026–2031 period.
Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency (Ekraf), Irene Umar (right), talks with Chairman of the Indonesian Esports Association (IESPA), Ibnu Sulistyo Pradipto (left), during a meeting with the Indonesian Esports Association (IESPA) at the Ministry of Creative Economy office, Jakarta, Tuesday (28/07/2026).
The meeting followed up on the synergy between the Ministry of Creative Economy and IESPA following the 2026 IESPA National Conference (Munas) and the signing of a memorandum of understanding. The collaboration is expected to strengthen the development of Indonesia’s esports industry and enhance its competitiveness at the global level.
“Indonesia’s esports industry has tremendous potential. However, to compete on the international stage, we must build a healthy ecosystem by understanding its challenges and engaging in dialogue with the community, publishers, and the government,” said Irene.
During the meeting, both parties discussed strengthening the esports ecosystem, ranging from governance and the development of competency standards to human resource development for various supporting professions such as referees, coaches, casters, tournament organizers, and other talents. Deputy Minister of Creative Economy emphasized the importance of a standardized competency system to improve the quality of human resources in the esports industry.
“We must show the world that gamers and people working within the esports ecosystem have real jobs. Certification can be one form of standardization, but it must not merely serve as a ‘lubricant’ to secure employment. Certification must function properly and contribute to a healthier ecosystem,” Irene explained.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
IESPA is the national governing organization for electronic sports recognized by the government and plays a role in fostering and developing national esports achievements, with a focus on developing Indonesia’s esports ecosystem. Meanwhile, Garudaku is the official platform of the Indonesian Esports Federation (PBESI) that supports ecosystem development through a database for talent development programs in esports. The presence of the new IESPA management board at the meeting further strengthened the commitment of both organizations to expand collaboration with the Ministry of Creative Economy in building a sustainable esports ecosystem.
IESPA Chairman, Ibnu Sulistyo Riza, stated that strengthening human resources is one of the organization’s main focuses during its new term of office. According to him, structured development programs need to encompass all professions within the esports ecosystem so that competency standards can be applied evenly across different regions.
“As a rapidly growing creative economy subsector, going forward, we cannot focus solely on pro players or athletes, but must also pay attention to the people working behind the scenes. Therefore, we want to focus on human resource development while connecting with communities in various regions so that the entire ecosystem can be standardized,” said Ibnu.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
Meanwhile, Garudaku Chief Operating Officer (COO), Robertus Aditya, presented various talent development programs currently being developed to strengthen the esports talent development pathway from school through university. According to him, this approach can open up broader career opportunities while changing public perceptions of the esports industry.
“We hope to change the stigma surrounding esports through clear programs, such as extracurricular activities and development programs, so that students gain skills that can support their future. We have also collaborated with 13 universities in Indonesia to provide scholarships for Liga Pelajar winners,” said Robertus Aditya.
Doc. Bureau for Communication, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
This collaboration initiative marks an initial step toward building an increasingly professional, inclusive, and competitive esports ecosystem. The collaboration is expected to accelerate the emergence of creative talent from various regions across Indonesia while strengthening the contribution of the gaming subsector as part of the new engine of national economic growth.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
