Indonesia is considering stricter regulations on violent video games such as PUBG: Battlegrounds after a tragic explosion at a Jakarta school mosque left nearly 100 students injured. The blast, which occurred just before prayers on November 7, has reignited national concern over the potential psychological impact of games that simulate combat and weapon use.
According to Bloomberg, President Prabowo Subianto has directed his Cabinet to evaluate possible restrictions on violent gaming content. “We’re thinking about restrictions because, in these games, there are many kinds of weapons—it’s easy to learn. And psychologically, it makes violence seem normal,” said State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi during a press briefing in Jakarta. However, officials have not yet specified what measures will be implemented.
Developed by South Korea’s Krafton Inc., PUBG: Battlegrounds became a global sensation for its “battle royale” gameplay, where players compete to be the last survivor. Its mobile version, co-developed with Tencent Holdings of China, has become immensely popular across Indonesia—particularly among young people.
Neither Krafton nor Tencent responded to Bloomberg’s request for comments regarding the potential restrictions.
This tragic event has sparked intense debate about the broader cultural influence of violent games and their accessibility to minors. Indonesia has previously discussed regulating digital content that could be considered harmful or morally questionable, but this marks one of the first times a major global game title could face government intervention.
Similar concerns have arisen in neighboring countries like Malaysia, where officials have warned about the potential link between gaming addiction and violent tendencies, although definitive scientific evidence remains limited.
At the heart of this issue lies a delicate balance between creative freedom, youth safety, and digital responsibility. While millions find joy, community, and even careers in gaming, incidents like this remind us that awareness, parental guidance, and responsible consumption must go hand-in-hand with entertainment.
