Indonesia's e-sports chief targets youth potential for global stage

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Newly inaugurated Indonesian E-Sports Association (PB ESI) Chairman Muhammad Herindra has vowed to tap into the nation's vast youth demographic to build a sustainable, world-class e-sports ecosystem, calling for cross-sector collaboration.

Speaking at the inauguration of the association's 2026–2030 executive board here on Thursday, Herindra highlighted Indonesia's young, tech-savvy population as the primary driver to elevate domestic talent to international podiums.

"More than 60 percent of our population belongs to the digital generation, and our mandate is to transform this vast potential into a strength that brings honor to the nation on the world stage," Herindra said.

"E-sports is no longer the duty of a single organization, but a joint collaboration."

To realize this vision, PB ESI plans to channel youth participation into professional excellence through structured talent pathways, sports science-backed training, tighter regulatory protections for young athletes, and measures to protect the sport from online gambling.

Supporting the new leadership's roadmap, Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir underscored the government's commitment to long-term athletic development.

"The President sees sports as a vital tool for national branding and economic growth. Our potential is extraordinary with 154 million gamers, and the President is committed to ensuring national training is no longer short-term," Thohir said.

Meanwhile, National Sports Committee (KONI) General Chairman Marciano Norman praised the country's competitive momentum while urging organizers to prioritize domestically developed games.

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Translator: Arindra Meodia, Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Editor: Primayanti
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