Last Tuesday, May 5, I had the honor of serving as the moderator for a pivotal discussion on the future of our creative digital industry. Held at the Garuda Spark Innovation Hub in Jakarta, we convened a cross-sectoral Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Evaluation and Refinement of the Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) Draft.” This wasn’t just a routine meeting; it was an intensive dialogue aimed at ensuring that technological innovation in gaming moves hand-in-hand with the safety of our youngest users.

I opened the session with a keynote presentation, emphasizing that we are currently navigating significant “grey areas” in digital content. These range from loot box mechanics—which often blur the line with gambling—to the challenge of defining violence or sensitive content without stifling the creativity of local developers. This is where Komdigi (Ministry of Communication and Digital) plays a vital role. Through the IGRS instrument, the ministry acts as a guide rather than just a gatekeeper, ensuring parents have a solid information base to supervise their children’s gaming activities.

The discussion grew even more compelling as stakeholders from KemenPPPA, KPAI, and child psychologists began dissecting the realities on the ground. We collectively agreed that policy should not be born out of mere “moral panic,” but must be rooted in data and in-depth research. The use of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in evaluating the IGRS demonstrates the government’s serious commitment to creating a transparent ecosystem. We want Indonesian children to remain digitally competitive, but always within a sturdy “safety belt.”

The session, held in the FX Sudirman area, concluded on an optimistic note. Transitioning from a “borderless innovation” mindset to a structured and protective ecosystem is certainly challenging. However, the refinement of the IGRS is clear proof that Indonesia is ready to lead in a responsible gaming industry. Through collaboration between regulators, industry players, and the community, we are building a foundation where local games can thrive economically while remaining healthy and educational platforms for all.