Indonesia Considers PUBG Ban After Jakarta School Explosion
Indonesia is reviewing potential restrictions or an outright ban on PUBG and other video games following a school explosion in Jakarta that injured nearly 100 people. President Prabowo Subianto has directed his cabinet to investigate gaming restrictions as police probe a student’s alleged involvement in the blast.
Government Response and Investigation
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi confirmed the review, telling Bloomberg that authorities are examining possible gaming curbs. While specific measures weren’t detailed, Hadi identified PUBG as one title that could face restrictions.
While he did not detail the form the restrictions might take, he named PUBG, a popular South Korean-developed title, as an example of games that might be subject to new curbs.
The explosion occurred last week at a school mosque in North Jakarta during regular prayers, injuring approximately 100 worshippers.
Global Gaming Restrictions Intensify
Indonesia’s review coincides with increasing global scrutiny of online gaming platforms. Iraq recently implemented a nationwide ban on Roblox, citing child safety concerns.
The Iraqi government expressed concerns that Roblox’s communication features could expose children to exploitation and cyber-extortion.
Roblox Corp responded that user safety remains its main focus and expressed its willingness to work with Iraqi authorities to restore access. a Roblox spokesperson said.
Roblox had previously restricted some communication features in Arabic-speaking countries, including Iraq. Iraq’s communications ministry identified “several security, social, and behavioural risks” associated with the platform.
This move aligns Iraq with other Middle Eastern nations tightening gaming oversight. Turkey blocked access to Roblox in August 2024 over similar child protection concerns.
