Minister of Youth and Sports hopes IESPA continues to drive esports industry growth

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir hopes that the Indonesia EsportsS Association (IESPA) will continue to drive the growth of the esports industry in the country. “Esports can flourish if the private sector invests,” said Erick Thohir during the inauguration of the IESPA Chairperson and Board for the 2026-2031 period, as reported in Jakarta on Saturday.

He explained that the esports industry in Indonesia has shown continuous growth in recent years. This development, he noted, is visible not only in the quality of players and tournaments but also in the recognition of esports as a crucial sub-sector of the creative economy. Therefore, he wants IESpend to play a role through programmes that can stimulate the industry’s advancement.

The sports industry, he stated, possesses significant economic value, with global growth reaching eight per cent annually. “This is an opportunity that would be a shame not to utilise,” he added.

Furthermore, he continued, Indonesia possesses great potential through its large youth demographic, which results in high levels of creativity. On this occasion, the Minister also invited IESPA to participate in this year’s Indonesia Sports Summit. This event is part of the national sports reform and transformation, aligning with the aspirations of President Prabowo Subianto.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of IESPA, Ibnu Riza, stated that Indonesian esports continues to evolve into both an achievement and a profession, and must therefore be maintained and enhanced. He also directed provincial IESPA Chairpersons to engage directly with their respective regencies and cities to promote and develop esports, including its industrial aspects.