Jakarta, March 15, 2025 – Deputy Minister of Creative Economy/Deputy Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, believes that the e-sports industry has grown rapidly and holds great potential for creating jobs across various sectors. Irene shared this view while attending Indonesia's largest e-sports tournament, the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia Season 15, held at MPL Arena, Jakarta, on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf - Wamenekraf Irene Umar (pojok,kiri) didampingi Direktur Gim Kemenekraf, Luat S.P Sihombing (pojok,kanan) dan Head of Business Development Moonton Indonesia, Martinus Manurung (tengah), menghadiri turnamen e-sport terbesar di Indonesia MPL Indonesia season 15 di MPL Arena, Jakarta, Sabtu (15/3/25).
“E-sports is not just about competition—it has evolved into an industry involving multiple sectors, from training and media to tournament organization. This opens up broad economic opportunities and creates new jobs for the Indonesian people,” said Irene in a statement after the event.
She added that e-sports also contributes to the tourism sector by attracting international fans. Furthermore, e-sports represents a sustainable creative economy business model that can serve as a new engine of national economic growth.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf
“E-sports shares similarities with other sports industries in Indonesia, requiring a strong supporting ecosystem to grow professionally and sustainably,” Irene emphasized.
The Ministry of Creative Economy continues to support the development of the gaming industry, particularly e-sports, to help it compete on a global scale and generate real economic benefits for the public. The hope is that not only foreign-made games but also those created by local talent, can thrive and contribute to national foreign exchange earnings.
Meanwhile, Martinus Manurung, Head of Business Development at Moonton Indonesia/PT Monster Entertainment, stated that the gaming industry—especially e-sports—is in high demand among the public. As a result, Moonton launched the MPL Career program to create quality job opportunities for the younger generation.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf
“The MPL Career program offers various employment opportunities within the e-sports industry. This platform provides valuable work experience across different roles involved in organizing e-sports events, while also showcasing potential career paths within the industry. We hope this program becomes a stepping stone for young talent to build a career in e-sports,” said Martinus.
MPL Indonesia is not only a competitive stage for the country’s best teams but also a catalyst for developing a larger gaming ecosystem one that supports both professional growth and creative economy opportunities as a new engine of growth.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf
It is worth noting that MPL Indonesia is the premier league in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) e-sports scene. Each season, this tournament garners significant attention, both online and offline, with viewers from both domestic and international audiences. MPL also serves as a primary pathway for professional teams and young Indonesian talent to compete at international levels, such as in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) and the MLBB World Championship (M Series), which bring together the world’s best teams.
In 2025, MPL Indonesia enters its 15th season with 9 participating teams and a total prize pool of IDR 4.86 billion.
Also attending the event was Luat S.P. Sihombing, Director of Games at Ministry of Creative Economy, who expressed support for strengthening the e-sports ecosystem in Indonesia.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
