We cannot just become a marketplace for foreign games. We should also produce (domestic) games.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Communication and Informatics Minister Johnny G. Plate has encouraged development of the domestic game industry, so that local games can dominate the market.

"We cannot just become a marketplace for foreign games. We should also produce (domestic) games," he emphasized here on Tuesday.

According to Plate, the government, through the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Investment, is striving to bolster management of the domestic game industry.

Speaking in connection with the gaming content, the minister expects that domestic games will reflect the history and culture of Indonesia.

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He observed that games made by other nations, including China, mirrored the culture of those countries. Hence, he believes this theme should also be applied while developing local games.

Plate admitted to often receiving complaints that children excessively played online games and that several parties had requested to ban certain games.

In connection with the ban, the minister noted that the government cannot just block any games on receiving a complaint.

"Online games, as long as they are legal and do not violate the rules. It is different with (illegal) online loan, hoaxes, and pornography," he pointed out.

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In this case, participation of parents, teachers, and also religious figures, is required, so that children are edified to not constantly play games, he stated.

Parents should administer a rule when their children are playing online games that dictates aspects, such as the extent of time allowed for gaming and studying.

“Do not let playing games dominate the children's time," he emphasized.

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The Communication and Informatics Ministry, along with Indonesian Games Association, is planning to hold a conference for local game developers this year named the Indonesia Game Developer Exchange (IGDX).

This event will feature intensive training for game developers, seminar, as well as meet and greet with foreign developers and potential investors.
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Translator: Natisha A, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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