Steam Apologises to Komdigi Over Misunderstanding in Blocking Games
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Several games were given inappropriate ratings on the Steam platform. Four of them were even classified as Unfit for Distribution, meaning unsuitable for distribution, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Persona 5 Royal.
Steam is suspected of using those ratings based on the Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS), which was newly implemented this year in the country. However, Komdigi emphasised that there have been no discussions regarding IGRS with Steam.
Director of Digital Ecosystem Development at the Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem, Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, explained that the ratings refer to games containing elements such as violence, gambling, and pornography.
“So they cannot circulate here. It’s the same as our general blocking,” he explained on Monday (6/4/2026). “This morning they sent an email apologising because there was a miscommunication. They skipped one step. They should have sent a report to us. Only then would we give the green light for them to proceed with the trial, yes.”
Meanwhile, ratings using age restrictions, such as 18 years old, can still be used as long as the age meets the requirements.
“That’s more like we have a product, right? What are the ingredients? What does it contain? For example, if we have a product with nuts. So parents can choose if my child is allergic to nuts. Don’t eat this,” he said.
Regarding the widely discussed issue, he explained that Steam conducted a self-assessment of the ratings without reporting to the Indonesian government.
“So there are two websites, right? IGRS and Steam’s. They’re not connected yet. So they did self-assessment. This morning they sent an email apologising because there was a miscommunication,” he clarified.
“So they skipped one step. They should have sent a report to us. Only then would we give the green light for them to proceed with the trial, yes,” he added.
He explained that Steam had indeed sent a letter to conduct a trial. However, there have been no further discussions on the matter, including an official MoU and talks regarding the API system to be used.
“They sent an email on the 13th. Providing a link for the trial. So to us, there hasn’t been any discussion. We were going to announce it anyway. Even if it’s for a trial, it should be closed. We review first. There was an internal communication error on their side. They just went ahead and uploaded it,” he said.
Furthermore, he stated that game ratings in Indonesia will be connected to the International Age Rating Coalition. It will recognise and connect with game ratings from other countries.
“Including platforms like Google and Apple. The same. And the model is self-assessment,” he said.
Steam has also removed all the classifications it issued. Sony has assured that everything has returned to normal.
CNBC Indonesia observations show that several games previously deemed unfit for distribution now use PEGI ratings with adjusted ages.
Komdigi will also meet with Steam soon regarding this matter.
“And coincidentally, it’s Easter there. So they’re on holiday. Tomorrow we’ll have a Zoom meeting. There might be clarification from Steam’s side to explain the problem on their end,” he revealed.