Indonesia Considers Video Game Restrictions Following Deadly Mosque Bombing
Jakarta, Indonesia – Indonesian officials are considering restrictions on violent video games, including the popular battle royale title PUBG: Battlegrounds, in the wake of a recent mosque bombing that left dozens injured. The move, announced this week, reflects a growing concern within the government about the potential influence of violent content on radicalized individuals and the broader population.
The bombing, which occurred in Jakarta, has reignited debate over the factors contributing to extremism in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation. While authorities investigate the direct causes of the attack, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto Prasetyo has publicly pointed to the accessibility and immersive nature of games like PUBG as a potential negative influence, especially on young people. This discussion arrives amid ongoing efforts to counter extremist ideologies and prevent future attacks.
Prasetyo specifically warned that PUBG: Battlegrounds, developed by South Korean firm Krafton, poses a risk due to its user-friendly gameplay and realistic depiction of combat. “Take PUBG, for exmaple. We may restrict it.There are various types of weapons [in the game], and it’s very easy to learn, making it even more hazardous. Psychologically, people become accustomed to violence,” he stated.
The potential ban raises complex questions about the effectiveness of such measures in curbing extremism. Experts are divided on whether restricting access to violent video games can meaningfully address the root causes of radicalization, which often involve socio-economic factors, political grievances, and exposure to extremist propaganda. The Indonesian government has not yet outlined specific details regarding potential restrictions, but officials indicated they are exploring various options to mitigate the perceived risks.
