The vibrant atmosphere at Maspion Square Surabaya was transformed during the Gebyar Startup 2025, hosted by East Java’s Department of Industry and Trade.

This event gathered over 150 participants from students, game communities, creative industry professionals, and the general public, offering a platform to celebrate innovation and digital entrepreneurship.

Government Officials Highlight Support for Creative and Game Industries

Prominent officials, including East Java’s Industry and Trade Head Iwan, Communications and Information Head Sherlita Ratna Dewi Agustin, and Cooperatives and SMEs Head Endy Alim Abdi Nusa, expressed strong backing for youth-driven startups.

Iwan emphasized that this year’s event is more focused and thematic to strengthen the startup ecosystem in East Java, particularly in creative and gaming sectors gaining national attention.

Competitive Spirit in Game Development and Mobile Legends Tournament

The gaming competition was a main highlight, with the Mobile Legends tournament won by team South Garden, followed by Lunar Vanguard and Pecinta Bantras.

In game development, Kopmart “Let’s Play Game Studio” took first place with a cooperative service multi-party themed project, Gingersun Games secured second with “Bubbleblitz Treasure,” and Autowin Squad placed third with “The Last Treasure”.

East Java’s Creative Industry: A Major Economic Contributor

Iwan noted the region’s creative industry contributes approximately Rp300 trillion, or 10% of East Java’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), surpassing the national average.

With 41 million residents, including 9 million youths aged 16–30, East Java is fertile ground for emerging digital innovators and creators.

Aligning with National Strategy: Game Industry as a Strategic Economic Sector

The event took place shortly after the enactment of Presidential Regulation No. 19 of 2024 on Accelerating the National Game Industry.

Iwan remarked, “This is a signal that gaming is not merely entertainment but a strategic sector capable of driving economic growth”.

The forum encouraged collaboration between game industry players, investors, and facilitators, with traditional local-themed games like “lontong balap” starting to gain attention.

PHOTO: KOMINFO PROVINSI JATIM

This article was created with AI assistance.