The Indonesian Ministry of Digital Communications (Kemkomdigi) is set to hold a virtual meeting with representatives from the Steam platform to discuss the implementation of the Indonesian Game Rating System (IGRS). This meeting comes after the inclusion of IGRS ratings for games on the platform sparked widespread debate among social media users.
Soni Hendra Sudiarna, the Director of Digital Ecosystem Development at the ministry, stated that the meeting will take place via Zoom, where Steam representatives are expected to provide clarifications regarding issues related to game ratings. He explained that Steam is still in the testing phase of applying the IGRS rating system on its platform.
Details of the Meeting
Although Steam displayed IGRS ratings for games, it did not follow the official procedures to communicate with the ministry beforehand. Soni pointed out that the ratings presented were the result of an internal assessment by Steam and had not been approved by the Indonesian government.
He further added that there was an internal misunderstanding that led to the direct inclusion of the ratings. He confirmed that the official ratings for games will appear on the official IGRS website, noting that the ministry has not yet signed a memorandum of understanding with Steam, which means there is no integration between the two systems.
Background & Context
The IGRS system was launched in Indonesia with the aim of protecting children from inappropriate content, such as violence and adult material. The system classifies games based on age categories such as 3+, 7+, 13+, 15+, and 18+, providing guidance for parents in choosing suitable games for their children.
Although the system is based on international standards, the Indonesian government applies more conservative criteria that align with the country's cultural values. For instance, content containing nudity may be rated as suitable for those over 18 in Indonesia, while it might be allowed for those over 15 in other countries.
Impact & Consequences
This step is significant for ensuring the safety of children in Indonesia, as game ratings can greatly influence how young people consume gaming content. Additionally, having an official rating system enhances the credibility of games available on digital platforms.
The meeting with Steam is expected to improve communication between the ministry and the platform, which may contribute to the development of a more effective rating system that aligns with both international and local standards.
Regional Significance
Indonesia's experience in implementing a game rating system serves as a model that Arab countries could benefit from. Many Arab nations face similar challenges in regulating gaming content to ensure the protection of children from harmful material.
This experience could foster cooperation among Arab countries in the field of digital content regulation, helping to establish unified standards for the protection of children and youth.