Moreover, it demonstrates Indonesia's readiness to become a global esports-tourism organizerJayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The opening of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) esports exhibition match brought a message of the huge potential of the digital industry to strengthen the national economy.
The event was held at the indoor hockey and cricket arena in Doyo Baru Village, Waibu Sub-district, Jayapura District, Papua, on Tuesday evening Eastern lndonesia Standard Time.
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno noted that e-sports, with a vast economic potential, are expected to continue to develop, thereby contributing more to the growth of the national digital economy.
"The contribution of the esports industry in 2019 was recorded at US$1.3 billion. Later, in just one year, the industry's revenue was able to grow by 33 percent to reach $1.8 billion," the minister, concurrently the deputy chief of the Esports Association of Indonesia's (PB ESI's) supervisory board.
One of the economic potential values of the industry is providing a special platform for local potentials and talents – conducted by PB ESI by bringing Lokapala, a MOBA game made by a local game developer, to be competed at during the national sporting event.
"Holding the Lokapala friendly match is very beneficial in boosting the enthusiasm of the local game industry, both at the national and global level," Uno remarked.
Speaking on the same lines as the minister, Chief of PB ESI Commissioner General Bambang Sunarwibowo also noted that Indonesia held vast potential in esports – both in terms of the achievements as well as the development of its ecosystem and industry.
"In addition to developing and assessing the national esports performance fostered by the regional parties, the success of the XX Papua PON Esports exhibition match can encourage improvement of the digital creative economy, which is driven by the growth of the local game developer industry and other related creative businesses," he stated.
Through the event conducted until September 26, 2021, PB ESI is keen to showcase to the world the vast potential of the Indonesian esports industry.
"Moreover, it demonstrates Indonesia's readiness to become a global esports-tourism organizer and raises optimism of the realization of ‘Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia)’ vision as the world’s digital economy power in 2045," Sunarwibowo stated.
In addition, he noted that the inclusion of esports as a sporting event offers an opportunity to train the athletes step-by-step.
Furthermore, the esports tournament in the XX Papua PON proves that the sports event is not only owned exclusively by people in big cities but also by all Indonesian people.
Meanwhile, Secretary General of PB ESI Frengky Ong informed that the esports exhibition match had recorded several achievements since the Pre-PON qualification round.
"Thanks to the mentoring attempts by National Sports Committee -- either at the center, province, district, or city level -- as well as other related parties in 34 provinces," he noted.
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Translator: Arindra Meodia, Uyu Liman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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