The government is enhancing the national gaming ecosystem to compete internationally. Isy Karim, Director General of Domestic Trade at the Ministry of Trade, stated this initiative follows Presidential Regulation No. 19 of 2024 on Accelerating the Development of the National Gaming Industry. This regulation aims to optimize the potential of the national gaming industry. "The Ministry of Trade is tasked with increasing market access for national games by providing a captive market and promoting synergy with Indonesian e-commerce," explained Isy during the launch of the "Ayo Hari Game Indonesia" (Appreciate Indonesian Games) program in Jakarta on July 19, 2024. The Ministry of Trade, with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf), the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (Kemenkominfo), the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, and the Child Protection Commission (KPAI), curated 28 local games from 24 developers. After the initial assessment, 10 games did not meet the criteria, while 18 qualified for further evaluation based on specific criteria to select the top 8.
The criteria include availability for download through official digital distribution services, exceeding 50,000 downloads, an average rating of at least 3.5 stars, content rated by ESRB, IARC, IGRS, or other official ratings, developed by domestic studios, and preferably having an electronic system provider registration certificate, copyright, and legal entity status. Preference was given to games highlighting local culture and containing educational content. The selected games are Lokapala (Anantarupa Studios, Jakarta), Where Is My Cat (SLAB Games, Bali), Marbel TK PAUD (Educa Studio, Salatiga), Selera Nusantara (Gambir Studio, Sleman), Dadoo (Algorocks, Malang), Epic Conquest (Gaco Games, Surakarta), Paw Rumble (Grinsmile Studio, Surabaya), and Warteg Gelora (Megaxus Infotech, Jakarta). These games will be promoted through various channels, including marketplaces, modern retail networks, digital distribution services, and ministry information channels. Odo RM Manuhutu, Deputy for Tourism and Creative Economy Coordination at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves), expressed hope that these games will grow, mainstreaming national values and local wisdom, and contributing to education. R. Kurleni Ukar, mentioned showcasing the games at Barekraf Game Prime in Jakarta on August 17-18, 2024, aiming to gain public attention and international recognition.
