Mataram, July 26, 2025 — Minister of Creative Economy, Teuku Riefky Harsya, officially inaugurated the esports branch of Adventure and Challenge Sports (OPT) at the 8th National Community Sports Festival (FORNAS VIII 2025) in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday, July 26, 2025. This event is expected to strengthen Indonesia’s gaming industry, which contributes 4% to the creative economy GDP.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kemenekraf/Bekraf - Menteri Ekraf Teuku Riefky Harsya Buka FORNAS VIII 2025: Dorong Esports Sebagai Penggerak Ekonomi Kreatif, Mataram, Sabtu (26/07/2025).Caption: Menteri Ekraf Teuku Riefky Harsya Buka FORNAS VIII 2025: Dorong Esports Sebagai Penggerak Ekonomi Kreatif, Mataram, Sabtu (26/07/2025).
“Indonesia has the potential to compete in the esports industry, which demands strategy, technology, and creativity,” said the Minister of Creative Economy at the UIN Mataram Auditorium.
The event, organized by the Indonesia Esports Association (IESPA), runs for two days on July 26–27, 2025. Three popular games are featured in the competition: Honor of Kings, Tekken 8, and eFootball. These games were chosen as they represent diverse genres—team strategy, individual fighting, and sports simulation—each with a broad fan base across different ages.
The Minister emphasized that the esports branch at FORNAS 2025 is more than just a competition; it is a space where sportsmanship, culture, and technology converge in harmony.
He also highlighted that esports is an integral part of the creative economy, with Indonesia proving itself as an emerging force in this field.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
“Careers in esports are not limited to being professional players. There are major opportunities in player management, tournament organizing, shoutcasting, production management, data analysis, and storytelling. This is the time to shift the paradigm, with government support, strong local leadership, and the hard work of communities, including provincial associations,” he stated.
The Minister underlined that the presence of the government reinforces its commitment to supporting the gaming and esports industry through both regulation and promotion.
“We believe that through collaboration among central government, local governments, communities, and academics as part of this ecosystem, Indonesia’s gaming industry can grow into a global esports powerhouse,” he added.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
Chairman of IESPA and Head of the FORNAS VIII 2025 Committee in NTB, Ibnu Riza Pradipto, expressed that the Minister’s participation in opening the event reflects the government’s strong focus on the esports and gaming subsector of the creative economy.
He explained that IESPA’s role goes beyond raising awareness—it also educates about esports and the gaming industry, which has become a recognized subsector of the creative economy and plays an active role in Indonesia’s economy.
“The gaming industry today contributes around 4% to GDP. This needs attention and focus so that we don’t just become a consumer market but also a productive force. That’s why esports and the gaming industry must be introduced and promoted not only in cities but also at the regency and even village levels,” he said.
Dok. Biro Komunikasi Kementerian Ekonomi Kreatif/Badan Ekonomi Kreatif.
Cross-sectoral support for this competition is expected to encourage stronger collaboration in advancing a digital technology–based creative economy ecosystem.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Deputy Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Indah Dhamayantu Putri; Head of the NTB Tourism Office, Ahmad Nur Aulia; and Chairman of IESPA NTB Province, Muhammad Putera Ferryandi.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Acting Head of the Bureau for Communications
Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency
