National Perspective

The Indonesian context for esports plays a very complex stigma with social perceptions, state recognition, and economic possibilities coming together. There are parents and teachers worried over prolonged gaming screen time and craving to know whether this activity has something related to addiction and its ruinous effects on the young. But there is also rising awareness of some educational opportunities that esports advocate, especially in creating teamwork, discipline, and digital literacy among the students. The above realities reflect the well-known larger social debate over modern education and its dimensions as being increasingly steeped in the role of gaming.

Indonesian President Jokowi has sent a decree recognizing esports as an official sport opening new career pathways for young people. The Indonesian Esports Association (IESPA) and government recognition, such as esports' inclusion in the 2022 Asian Games. However, negative aspects such as addiction to time and space and health problems seem to continue to exist. This adds to legitimizing the industry and also opens up further career pathways for high school young people interested in making a career out of gaming, whether that be as a professional player or even perhaps a content creator or many different supporting roles within esports. Also, it'd increase the role of the Indonesian Esports Celebrity Association (IESPA) as a tangible growing body supporting esports at the grassroots and professional levels. Using the stadiums, the inclusion of esports in such events as the 2018 Asian Games makes Indonesia contribute to the cultural and sporting landscape development of esports.

Economically, recognition has sparked growth in the esports segment, whereas local gaming peripherals and streaming services, have witnessed growth momentum. As of the latest report, Indonesia's gaming market generated about $1.74 billion in revenues in 2020 from approximately 174 million gamers and is projected to grow as the number is expected to surpass 192 million people in 2025. In a nutshell, such a mushrooming opportunity would offer space to small local businesses.

Nevertheless, propounded advancements in the already mixed opinions about esports have shown benefits beyond but sparked concerns of addiction and health problems. The social stigma of gaming as a bona fide activity still lingers with its disclaves within society regarding participation in esports as taboo. Such views would not favor rapid acceptance and participation in the industry. The same will go on for e-sports in Indonesia; it is challenged by insufficient sponsorship and, among other examples, low infrastructure services compared with more established markets. It should not exceed the result of collective effort on the part of government and industry stakeholders in creating an environment supportive of growth, addressing addiction, and social responsibility. Thus, the Indonesian condition of esports develops into a very dynamic space, full of potential yet challenges. The government should also balance interests concerning health and well-being with development through regulatory frameworks and initiatives for the growth of the esports industry amid continued support. The future of esports in Indonesia holds not just the promise for economic growth but also the enrichment of the society's cultural folktale through increased sharing in digital literacy and teamwork.