Jakarta, 24 April, 2026 – Vice Minister of Creative Economy/Vice Head of the Creative Economy Agency, Irene Umar, officially opened the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Indonesia Season 17. Through the theme “We Own This: This Is Indonesia,” the government positions esports as a strategic ecosystem that integrates local talent and the creative economy to strengthen Indonesia’s identity and global presence.
The Vice Minister inaugurated MPL Indonesia Season 17 in Jakarta on Friday (April 24, 2026).
MPL Indonesia is a national esports competition managed by MOONTON Games and serves as one of the key platforms for developing the creative economy through collaboration with various local Intellectual Properties (IP).
“The inauguration of MPL Indonesia as a Creative Playground is a concrete step to strengthen Indonesia’s position on the global creative economy map. This is a real effort to integrate the esports ecosystem so that our local talents and IPs can grow, gain global exposure, and showcase Indonesia’s creative strength and identity to the world,” said the Vice Minister during her remarks at the MPL Arena in Jakarta.
MPL Indonesia Season 17 collaborates with six local IPs through the “Thematic Week” initiative, connecting homegrown creative works with the esports ecosystem. This collaboration aims to open cross-industry opportunities, strengthen monetization through merchandise, and bring domestic talents and creative products onto the global stage. The initiative is expected to generate sustainable economic value while inspiring the advancement of Indonesia’s creative economy internationally.
“Wherever we are, we can step into the light and contribute to the nation. Let us unite to bring Indonesia’s creative economy ecosystem to the global stage,” she added.
Doc: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
On the same occasion, the Vice Minister also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between MOONTON Games and Tale X. This agreement marks the beginning of deeper integration of local IP into the MPL Season 17 ecosystem, offering new experiences for fans.
The strategic collaboration between Tale X and Mobile Legends (MPL) introduces six local IPs—Starla, Halomiyu, Beemala, Hai Dudu, Khuga, and Cerita Sole—which will be integrated through Thematic Week throughout the competition season. Under the spirit of “Make it Epic,” this initiative aims to elevate Indonesian creative works to the global stage while opening cross-industry collaboration opportunities that deliver tangible economic value for local creators.
“The presence of the Vice Minister brings new energy for Tale X and MPL to take local IPs to the global stage. Through the spirit of ‘Make it Epic,’ we are committed to proving that original Indonesian characters can compete globally,” said Tale X Co-founder Joshua Budiman.
Doc: Bureau of Communications, Ministry of Creative Economy/Creative Economy Agency.
In addition to strengthening the creative sector, the press conference also announced the Jakarta Velodrome as the official venue for the MPL ID Season 17 Playoffs and introduced Xepher as the new Head Coach of Indonesia’s MLBB National Team for the 2026 Esports Nations Cup and the 2026 Asian Games. These initiatives reflect strong synergy and concrete steps by the government in supporting the esports and creative industries to become more inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.
Also present at the event were the Secretary of the Jakarta Provincial Youth and Sports Office, Zuhud Pana Graha; SEA Head of Esports, Dylan Chia; and Vice Chair of Competition at the Indonesian Esports Association, Glorya Famiela.
Kiagoos Irvan Faisal
Head of Communications Bureau
Ministry of Creative Economy / Creative Economy Agency
