Indonesian Gamers Get Blocked—And It’s Not a Myth
Imagine logging into your favorite gaming platform, only to find out you’re blocked—not by a friend request, but by the government. That’s the reality for millions of Indonesian Steam and Epic Games users after a new law stepped onto the scene.
The Big Law in a Nutshell
Indonesia has just passed a law that forces every online service to get a permit from the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kominfo). Think of it as a visa, but for digital services. Until you have it, the government will shut you out.
How Many Have Applied?
- Domestically: 8,680 permit applications already hit Kominfo’s inbox.
- Internationally: 282 applications from overseas.
Despite the numbers, the big names—Steam, Epic Games, Blizzard, Ubisoft, EA—haven’t applied. The result? Those services are benched, and fans are left with a locked screen.
Even PayPal Isn’t Safe
PayPal is reportedly blocked too, even though they seem to have submitted a request. Whether it’s paperwork or paperwork restrictions, the user experience is the same: “What’s that I can’t find?”
Communities Are Reacting
Indonesians are furious. Twitter has gone full meme‑mode with the hashtag #BlockirKominfo—a sharp jab at the agency that’s now acting as a gatekeeper.
On the other side, gamers are rolling out quick fixes:
- Changing DNS settings (a moving address keeps the game alive).
- Using VPNs to hop around the block.
Will This Be Forever?
No—unless the companies line up the necessary paperwork or strategically accept the new requirements, the block could lift. For now, it feels like a temporary crackdown.
Why It Feels So Heavy‑Handed
It reminds many of China’s comparable start to its gaming crackdown—direct, fast, and not much room for negotiation.
What’s Next?
Pull on that wrestling ring, folks. Keep an eye on the policy updates, and if you’re a big platform, get that permit sorted out. For the gamers, we’ll be listening for a change in the heartbeat of these services. Until then, stay tuned.
Side Note: Things on the Horizon
While this drama is brewing, Gamescom Asia 2022 is set to kick off in October—A place where PlayStation, Xbox, and more are expected to shine.
