Indonesia reaffirmed its status as a burgeoning force in the global gaming sector through the Indonesia Game Developer eXchange (IGDX) 2025, held at The Stones Hotel, Bali. The annual event attracted hundreds of local game developers, publishers, investors, and international media. Since its inception in 2021, IGDX has facilitated business partnerships with an estimated potential value of 75 million U.S. dollars.

“The theme this year, ‘Accelerating Southeast Asia’s Creative Power,’ embodies the spirit of cross-border collaboration and Indonesia’s ambition to become the gaming industry’s growth hub in Southeast Asia,” said Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs, Meutya Hafid, during her keynote at the IGDX Conference on October 11, 2025.

A Platform for Local Developers and International Collaboration

IGDX has, since 2021, enabled more than 3,500 business meetings linking Indonesian developers with global industry partners. The event features programs like IGDX Bootcamp, IGDX Academy, IGDX Career, IGDX Business, and IGDX Conference — all designed to foster learning, cooperation, and opportunities for young Indonesian creators to access the international market.

“IGDX builds a comprehensive ecosystem involving all game industry players from diverse backgrounds,” Meutya noted, highlighting the inclusive nature of the platform.

Economic Impact of Indonesia’s Gaming Sector

The gaming industry’s contribution to Indonesia’s economy is increasingly tangible. It currently generates approximately 71 trillion Indonesian Rupiah annually, supported by over 2,000 active developers and publishers spread across the country.

“This achievement stems from the spirit of cooperation that has shaped Indonesia’s digital ecosystem. The data underscores that gaming is now a key driver of the national digital creative economy,” Meutya explained.

According to the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Indonesia ranks fourth globally, boasting more than 154 million gamers — about 40 percent of all gamers in Southeast Asia. This figure confirms Indonesia’s dual role as a significant consumer and rapidly growing producer of digital content.

Building a Comprehensive Gaming Ecosystem through IGDX Programs

Since its first edition in 2019, IGDX has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most influential game industry acceleration programs. The initiative thrives on collaboration among government, industry, academia, and communities, strengthening local talent as a cornerstone of Indonesia’s creative economy.

“From Bali, we send a message to the world that now is the time for Southeast Asia to rise as a global creative force. IGDX is concrete proof that collaboration can make Indonesia a leader in the game industry,” Meutya said.

Indonesia’s Strategic Role in Southeast Asia’s Creative Digital Landscape

The 2025 IGDX event, held from October 9 to 11, also featured exhibitions showcasing local developers’ works, digital creative industry players, communities, universities, and international partners. Various forums and business sessions were organized to enhance connections between national and global industry actors.

Minister Meutya Hafid was accompanied by key officials, including Director General of Digital Ecosystem Edwin Hidayat Abdullah, Director General of Digital Space Supervision Alexander Sabar, Director General of Public Communication and Media Fifi Aleyda Yahya, Head of BPSDM Bonifasius Wahyu Pudjianto, and Special Staff Minister Alfreno Kautsar Ramadhan.

PHOTO: KEKOMDIGI

This article was created with AI assistance.