Prabowo weighs online game restrictions following Jakarta school explosion

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is considering introducing restrictions on online games, following an explosion at SMAN 72 North Jakarta that left several students injured last week. This marks one of the first indications that the administration may tighten its stance on the digital entertainment industry amid concerns about youth welfare.

Speaking on Sunday, minister of state secretary Prasetyo Hadi said the president was “still considering” the best course of action. “He mentioned earlier that we still need to consider ways to impose restrictions and find solutions to address the influence of online games,” said Hadi.

He explained that the government is studying possible measures to mitigate what it views as the negative psychological effects of violent gaming content on young players. “Because it’s possible that some online games contain negative elements that could influence our future generations,” he added.

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Among the titles under scrutiny is PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), a battle-royale game that has drawn frequent criticism in Indonesia and other countries for its realistic weapon visuals and combat mechanics. 

“For example, a game like PUBG. We might consider certain restrictions. It features various types of weapons that are easy to learn about - and that makes it even more dangerous,” Hadi added. “Psychologically, this can make acts of violence seem normal or acceptable.”

The explosion at SMAN 72, which occurred during Friday prayers on 7 November, is believed to have been caused by a student who had reportedly been subjected to bullying. Early investigations found toy firearms at the scene, including an airsoft gun and a plastic revolver.

While the president’s office has yet to announce concrete regulatory steps, the discussion signals renewed government interest in regulating digital behaviour - particularly as online gaming continues to expand rapidly across Indonesia’s youth market.

Hadi said the administration is also urging educators to remain vigilant about student welfare and potential behavioural warning signs.

The development places Indonesia among a growing list of nations, including India, that have previously restricted games such as PUBG and Free Fire on moral or national security grounds. For the local gaming and esports industries, which have seen double-digit growth over recent years, any restriction could reshape brand partnerships, tournament ecosystems, and advertising strategies targeting Gen Z audiences.

India banned the original versions of PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire in 2020 and 2022, citing national security and data privacy concerns. Both titles have since made a controlled comeback under stricter local regulations - Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) and Free Fire India - featuring adjusted gameplay mechanics, limited screen time for minors, and compliance with local data laws.

To strengthen child safety online, Indonesia’s ministry of communication and digital affairs now mandates all digital platforms to include parental control tools under Government Regulation No. 17/2025 (PP Tunas), which sets out child-protection standards for digital services.

In July, Minister Meutya Hafid asked the game industry to implement child-safe measures: “We want Indonesia’s gaming industry to continue growing in a healthy way. At the same time, we also received numerous concerns from parents regarding content that is not suitable for children.”

A report by The Asia Live highlighted Indonesia’s alarming rise in gadget and online game addiction among children, with around 3,000 young patients receiving psychiatric care in Surabaya since early 2024.

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