Celebrating a Decade of HARGAI
As HARGAI 2026 marks ten years of celebrating Indonesian gaming, it serves as a crucial moment to strengthen the ecosystem and promote the sustainability of the local gaming industry. This year’s theme, “We Will Fight: The Collective Struggle for the Existence of Local Games,” reflects the commitment to enhance the future of Indonesian gaming.
Collaboration Across Sectors
The event took place on August 8-9, 2026, at the Garuda Sparks Innovation Hub in Jakarta, bringing together government officials, industry associations, and various stakeholders interested in the development of Indonesian games. Collaborators included the Ministry of Creative Economy, the Ministry of Communication and Digital, and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, among others.
The diverse participation underscores the necessity for broader collaboration in the local gaming industry. It’s not just about producing quality games; developers require user access, community engagement, promotion, infrastructure, and pathways to international markets.
Government Support for Local Games
Teuku Riefky Harsya, the Minister of Creative Economy, expressed optimism regarding the growth of Indonesia's gaming and application sectors during a panel discussion. He emphasized that industry advancement goes beyond developers' abilities to create products. Successful commercialization and wider access for Indonesian games demand collaboration between the government and stakeholders.
Shafiq Husein, President of the Indonesian Game Association, echoed this sentiment, advocating for local creations to have space to experiment, learn, and compete based on quality.
UniPin's Role in the Ecosystem
UniPin, a digital entertainment top-up service, is a key player in supporting the local gaming industry. CEO Ashadi Ang highlighted the importance of infrastructure and user access in fostering the growth of Indonesian games. In a recent talk show, he discussed how collaboration among game publishers, platforms, and communities can unlock opportunities for local creations to thrive.
Addressing the challenges faced by local publishers, Ashadi pointed out that expanding from the domestic market to the global stage requires understanding user behaviors and adapting promotional strategies accordingly. UniPin’s experience in building a digital ecosystem provides local publishers with valuable insights to reach international markets.
Building Community Connections
Since 2017, UniPin has been dedicated to strengthening community ties between game publishers and players. Initiatives such as SEACA and UP Station have been launched to connect the gaming community with industry activities and enhance visibility for local games.
Moreover, UniPin's collaboration with other sectors, like the “Proud to Play Local” initiative, bridges local game publishers with the food and beverage industry, creating unique experiences for users while fostering cross-industry connections.
The Future of Indonesian Gaming
The journey of Indonesian games indicates that sustainability is not solely defined by product quality. Developers need an ecosystem that provides market access, community support, promotional opportunities, investment, and a chance to compete globally.
The government continues to drive initiatives to expand access for local games, showcasing them at prominent venues like Soekarno-Hatta Airport and international events like Gameseed. Such efforts highlight the importance of promotion and distribution in propelling Indonesian games onto the global stage.
With fifteen years of infrastructure development, UniPin remains committed to connecting local publishers with users and communities, ensuring they have the resources to grow and succeed internationally.
As HARGAI reflects on a decade of progress, it serves as a reminder that the Indonesian gaming industry's journey is ongoing. The collective struggle for local games to be recognized and succeed on a global platform is paramount.
Source: https://www.esports.id/read/hargai-2026-unipin-dorong-game-lokal-indonesia-tembus-pasar-global-19256
