Indonesia: The Largest Gaming Market in Southeast Asia with Growing Potential

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 08:40 | Game and Animation | Editorial INTI

Jakarta, INTI - The gaming industry in Indonesia continues to show remarkable growth, making it one of the largest markets in Southeast Asia. In 2023, Indonesia recorded over 150 million active gamers, generating more than USD 1.6 billion in revenue. These figures not only reflect the significant potential of the local market but also increasingly position Indonesia on the global gaming industry map.

According to the latest report from the Indonesian Game Association, this rapid growth is fueled by an increasing number of gamers and government support. "The gaming industry in Indonesia has seen an incredible journey. With over 150 million gamers, Indonesia has become one of the largest gaming markets in Southeast Asia," said Hokky Situngkir, Director General of Informatics Applications (Aptika) at the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, during the opening of the Indonesia Game Developer Exchange (IGDX) 2024 Conference in Badung, Bali, on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

Digital Transformation and the Growing Game Ecosystem

Hokky Situngkir added that this growth is largely driven by President Joko Widodo's leadership vision, promoting Indonesia's digital revolution. "Thanks to his efforts, 221.56 million Indonesians, or 79.5% of the population, are now connected to the internet. This is far above the global average of just 67.1%. This strong connectivity has created vast opportunities for local game developers to enter the global market," Hokky explained.

With more than 250 games developed by Indonesians available on global platforms like Steam, Indonesia is now becoming a notable digital content producer, no longer just a consumer. This shows that Indonesia's digital ecosystem is maturing and ready to compete on a global scale.

IGDX 2024: The Hub for Southeast Asia’s Gaming Industry Collaboration

The Indonesia Game Developer Exchange (IGDX) 2024 Conference, held in Bali, is concrete proof of Indonesia's commitment to developing its gaming industry. This annual event brings together game developers, publishers, and investors from various countries to share insights and foster collaboration in expanding the gaming industry across Southeast Asia.

President of the Indonesian Game Association, Shafiq Husein, praised the government’s efforts in advancing the industry through appropriate regulations. "With the Presidential Regulation No. 19 of 2024 accelerating the growth of the gaming industry, as well as the IGDX Business & Conference initiative since 2021, we are seeing significant positive impacts for Indonesian game developers," he said.

IGDX has become a strategic platform to enhance the competitiveness of local developers. The presence of international industry players at this event also reinforces Indonesia’s position as a hub for collaboration and innovation in the regional gaming industry.

International Collaboration to Advance the Local Gaming Industry

One key element in accelerating the growth of Indonesia’s gaming industry is international collaboration. France's Ambassador to Indonesia, Fabien Penone, expressed France's commitment to building a sustainable partnership with Indonesia. “We want to create a strong collaboration with Indonesia. We are bringing mentors and industry players from France to help drive the growth of the local gaming industry,” said Penone.

This initiative is viewed as a way to boost the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian game developers in the global market. Additionally, the collaboration is expected to result in more innovative products from local developers that can compete internationally.

The Important Role of IGDX in the Growth of the Gaming Industry

Hans Saleh, Country Head of Garena Indonesia, revealed that IGDX has become the main platform for supporting the growth of the Indonesian gaming industry. "Year after year, IGDX has grown into a major platform, providing a space for both local and global industry players to exchange experiences and become a stage for Indonesian gaming talent to shine in the international arena," he said.

IGDX is recognized as a crucial step in nurturing the talent and creativity of game developers in Indonesia. With events like this, it is hoped that more high-quality games will emerge from Indonesia, not just for the local market but also internationally.

Full Support from Government and Private Sectors

Besides government support and international collaboration, the private sector also plays a key role in the growth of the gaming industry in Indonesia. Muhammad Neil El Himam, Deputy for Digital Economy and Creative Products at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, said that the government continues to promote creative industries, including gaming, as one of the leading sectors.

Several major companies, such as Telkom Indonesia and Nuon Digital Indonesia, are also actively participating in supporting Indonesia’s gaming ecosystem. With this support, it is hoped that Indonesia's gaming industry will continue to grow and become a major player in Southeast Asia.

The Future of Indonesia’s Gaming Industry

With more than 150 million gamers and a growing digital ecosystem, the future of Indonesia’s gaming industry looks bright. Government support, international collaboration, and active participation from the private sector are key factors in driving the industry forward.