Komdigi investigates irregularities in IGRS ratings on Steam platform

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi) is conducting an in-depth investigation into irregularities in the assignment of Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) ratings for games on the Steam platform, which is currently under public scrutiny.

Director of Digital Ecosystem Development at Komdigi, Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, stated that they acknowledge there are games with IGRS ratings that do not match their content. For example, the game PUBG has a 3+ rating, whereas Upin Ipin Universe is intended for ages 18+.

“This is very strange to us and highly irregular, which is why we are conducting this investigation to determine the actual problem, whether internally at Komdigi or externally from Steam,” said Sonny at the Komdigi office in Jakarta on Tuesday.

On the other hand, Steam has taken down the IGRS rating labels from the games circulating on its platform to prevent public confusion.

Sonny explained that Steam is also conducting an internal investigation into the classification errors for those games and will announce the results once they have been identified.

The Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) is the official age classification system for video games in Indonesia, launched by the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Komdigi).

There are several game classification categories based on age as determined by IGRS, namely 3+, 7+, 13+, 15+, and 18+.

Sonny stated that if problems are found in the implementation of IGRS, the government is committed to resolving those issues to ensure consumer interests while protecting the gaming industry.

“We can no longer allow a situation where, for more than 10 years, consumers and the industry have not received adequate protection and certainty regarding age ratings,” he emphasised.

“So, digital products sold and distributed in Indonesia must have appropriate measures, and we have simplified that into ratings so that parents can ensure their children play games with ratings suitable for their age,” said Sonny.