Indonesia Seeks Clarification From Steam Over Unverified IGRS Game Ratings
Indonesia’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs is seeking clarification from digital game distribution platform Steam after Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS) labels appeared on games without government verification. The issue prompted attention from users online and raised questions about compliance with Indonesia’s national content classification rules. According to reporting from Bernama, the ministry has scheduled discussions with the platform to understand how the ratings were displayed and to address coordination around future system integration.
Government Raises Concerns Over Unverified Age Ratings
Director of Digital Ecosystem Development at the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, said the government would hold a meeting with Steam to clarify the situation after the IGRS labels appeared on the platform. The labels drew attention on social media because they had not been reviewed or approved through the government’s official verification process.
Sonny explained that the ratings displayed on Steam were generated through the platform’s self-assessment mechanism rather than through Indonesia’s formal classification procedure. The issue was attributed to internal miscommunication between the parties, and the government is seeking further clarification during the scheduled discussions.
“So, tomorrow we will have a Zoom meeting. There may be clarification from Steam to explain the issues on their side,” — Sonny Hendra Sudaryana, Director of Digital Ecosystem Development, Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs
Role of the Indonesia Game Rating System
The IGRS framework provides age-based classifications for video games distributed in Indonesia. The system is intended to help protect children from exposure to inappropriate content, including violence or adult themes, while giving parents clearer guidance when selecting games. Titles are categorised into age groups of 3+, 7+, 13+, 15+, and 18+.
Indonesia’s classification approach reflects local cultural considerations. For instance, some forms of content that may receive a 15 rating in other jurisdictions can be classified as 18 in Indonesia. Sonny cited examples such as revealing clothing or depictions of alcohol and drug use, which are subject to stricter classification thresholds.
Platform Integration Yet to Be Finalised
The ministry noted that formal cooperation with Steam is still under development. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has not yet been signed, and the technical integration of systems through an application programming interface (API) has not been completed.
According to Sonny, the two sides had originally planned to meet in May to progress the MoU process. Once formal agreements are in place, the API connection will enable proper verification and integration of the IGRS classification system across the platform.
Following the issue, Steam apologised and removed the IGRS labels from its platform, reverting to its international rating system while discussions with the Indonesian government continue.
Broader Efforts to Strengthen Child Safety Online
The government aims to complete preparations for the implementation of IGRS and integration with digital game distribution platforms by June 2026. The initiative forms part of wider efforts to strengthen safeguards for young users in Indonesia’s digital environment.
Indonesia has recently introduced additional regulatory measures to protect children online, including the implementation of PP Tunas, which took effect on 28 March and emphasises platform accountability and age-appropriate digital content. These policies complement broader national initiatives highlighted in efforts to improve child online safety through regulation and platform responsibility, alongside multi‑faceted strategies to safeguard children in digital spaces and continued investment in regulation and digital literacy to advance online child protection.
