Jakarta, June 6, 2026 – Minister of Creative Economy/Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Teuku Riefky Harsya, attended the 2026 National Congress of the Indonesia Esports Association (IESPA). During the event, the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency was honored with the Best Government Institution Partner Award in recognition of its continued collaboration and commitment to supporting the development of Indonesia’s game subsector.
Minister of Creative Economy Teuku Riefky Harsya directly reviewed products from creative economy players during the 2026 National Congress of the Indonesia Esports Association (IESPA) at Balai Kartini, Jakarta, on Saturday (June 6, 2026).
"The game subsector is one of the priority sectors in the development of Indonesia’s creative economy. The Ministry of Creative Economy focuses not only on talent development but also on strengthening the entire ecosystem, including gamers, casters, communities, event organizers, media, and emerging professions within the game subsector that create jobs and growth opportunities for Indonesia’s younger generation," said the Minister at Balai Kartini, Jakarta, on Saturday (June 6).
The Ministry of Creative Economy believes that every innovation emerging from the gaming industry represents a new achievement that must continue to be encouraged across generations. The Minister also emphasized that creative economy growth is largely driven by young people seeking opportunities to pursue careers based on their interests and creativity, making the game subsector a significant source of quality employment.
"Nearly 60 percent of Gen Z and millennials want to work in fields aligned with their passions and prefer careers that contribute to the development of creative economy subsectors. They are spread across Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke, bringing creativity that reflects the digital era. The Ministry of Creative Economy is ready to collaborate moving forward so that Indonesia’s esports ecosystem becomes more advanced, more professional, and continues to achieve greater accomplishments for the nation," the Minister stated.
Doc. Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Previously, the Ministry of Creative Economy and IESPA signed a Memorandum of Understanding as a commitment to shaping the future direction of Indonesia’s esports ecosystem. Through this long-term collaboration, both parties aim to align digital talent development, create economic value, and expand innovation opportunities within the game subsector, strengthening synergies to support the advancement of national esports.
"We would like to thank the Ministry of Creative Economy for creating opportunities for content creators, game developers, and all stakeholders in the game subsector to grow together. We want IESPA to focus not only on athlete and professional player development but also on building the entire esports ecosystem. With stronger collaboration, we are optimistic that Indonesian esports will continue to progress and strengthen its regional and global presence," said Ibnu Sulistyo Riza Pradipto, Chairman of IESPA.
Doc. Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Under the theme “Symphony of Victory,” the Minister also visited the experience booths at the Victory Zone, which featured a variety of activations from 48 exhibitors. During the event, six categories of the IESPA Awards 2026 were announced to recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated dedication and innovation within the game subsector:
Best Government Institution Partner Category: Ministry of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Creative Economy, and Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs.
Most Outstanding Provincial IESPA Category: Jakarta, West Java, and North Sumatra.
Most Creative Provincial IESPA Category: Banten, Southwest Papua, and Gorontalo.
Most Active Provincial IESPA Category: Central Java, East Kalimantan, and West Kalimantan.
Best Game Publisher Category: Tencent, Garena, and Moonton.
Best Collaborator Category: Baic, Mitratel, and Dunia Games.
Doc. Bureau for Communication of the Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency.
Accompanying Minister Teuku Riefky Harsya at the event were Deputy for Digital Creativity and Technology Muhammad Neil El Himam, Director of Games Luat S.P. Sihombing, and Ministerial Expert Staff Gemintang Kejora Mallarangeng. The 2026 IESPA National Congress was also attended by Deputy Minister of Environment Diaz Hendropriyono, Presidential Special Envoy for MSMEs, Creative Economy, and Digital Affairs Ahmad Ridha Sabana, Head of the Public Relations Division of the Indonesian National Police Inspector General Johnny Eddizon Isir, Chairman of GEKRAFS Kawendra Lukistian, Congress Organizing Committee Chairman Lutfi Dipa, as well as representatives of IESPA boards from 34 provinces across Indonesia.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Bureau for Communication
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
