Indonesia Reviews Steam Game Age Ratings Following Classification Concerns
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs (Kemkomdigi) is investigating discrepancies between age classifications and the actual content of several games available on the Steam platform in Indonesia. The review aims to address concerns that inconsistent ratings could make it difficult for parents to judge whether digital content is suitable for children. According to the ministry’s official statement, the investigation is examining both the platform’s classification mechanisms and the role of game developers responsible for the content.
The ministry is assessing the entire process behind game classification, including production, evaluation, and distribution. This approach is intended to identify the root causes of the mismatch between age ratings and game content, and to ensure that safeguards function effectively for Indonesian users.
Kemkomdigi has been working closely with Steam to clarify how classification is applied on the platform. Both sides are reviewing titles where ratings appear inconsistent with content and considering adjustments where necessary. The discussions form part of broader government efforts to strengthen protections for children in digital environments, including wider initiatives highlighted in Indonesia’s multi‑faceted measures to safeguard children online.
Age Ratings as a Consumer Protection Tool
Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, Director for Digital Ecosystem Development at the Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem, emphasised that age classification plays an important role in protecting consumers, particularly children and teenagers.
“Tujuan utama penerapan Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) adalah memberi pegangan yang jelas bagi orang tua agar anak bermain sesuai dengan usianya,” — Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, Director of Digital Ecosystem Development, Directorate General of Digital Ecosystem
The Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) is designed to provide parents with clear guidance on age‑appropriate games. Officials consider the framework an important consumer protection mechanism as digital entertainment becomes more accessible across the country.
Regulatory Framework Supporting Game Classification
Indonesia’s game classification regime was formalised through Presidential Regulation No 19 of 2024 on accelerating the development of the national game industry and Ministerial Regulation No 2 of 2024 on game classification. The policy framework followed nearly a decade of discussions that began in 2014, reflecting growing concern about digital content governance and child protection.
These measures align with broader national efforts to improve online child protection, including regulatory and literacy initiatives described in Indonesia’s approach to advancing online child safety through regulation and digital literacy.
The classification system also supports the implementation of Government Regulation No 17 of 2025 on electronic system governance for child protection (PP TUNAS). The regulation sets clearer standards for digital platforms and aims to provide families with more reliable guidance when selecting online content.
Immediate Mitigation Measures
As an initial mitigation step, Steam has removed the problematic rating labels associated with the identified games. The measure is intended to prevent confusion among users, particularly parents seeking reliable information about the suitability of digital entertainment for children.
Kemkomdigi stated that the ongoing review will help ensure the IGRS system functions as intended and that digital platforms operating in Indonesia support the country’s standards for consumer protection and family safety.
