The phenomenon of naturalizing players has been a hot topic in Indonesia, especially in the realm of football. The Indonesian government has repeatedly facilitated the process of granting citizenship to foreign-born players to strengthen the national football team. However, as esports gains traction and becomes a major sporting phenomenon in the country, a new question arises: Will Indonesia also naturalize esports athletes? The Noble Mission of Indonesia's Mobile Legends Women Team at IESF 2024
Youth and Sports Minister Dito Ariotedjo recently addressed this question during the official send-off ceremony for Indonesia’s national esports team competing in the 16th IESF World Esports Championships 2024, held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Jakarta.
The Rise of Esports in Indonesia
Esports has grown exponentially in Indonesia over the past decade. Once considered a niche hobby, it has evolved into a billion-dollar industry, complete with professional leagues, massive audiences, and international acclaim. Major titles such as Mobile Legends, PUBG Mobile, and Dota 2 have cultivated a generation of highly skilled Indonesian players who consistently perform at the regional and international levels.
Minister Dito highlighted Indonesia's esports potential, pointing to the country’s achievements in global competitions. “We’ve seen incredible performances from our esports athletes, proving that Indonesia can compete internationally,” said Dito. He referenced the 2022 IESF World Esports Championships held in Bali, where Indonesia emerged as the overall champion, taking home three gold medals in Dota 2, eFootball, and Mobile Legends, as well as a bronze in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS
) Female.
Such accomplishments underscore the depth of talent within the nation, and Minister Dito believes these victories reflect the tremendous potential of Indonesia’s esports scene.
Diaspora and the Future of Esports Development
When asked about the possibility of naturalizing esports athletes, Dito responded with a nuanced perspective. He acknowledged the potential for naturalization but emphasized prioritizing Indonesia's diaspora—individuals of Indonesian descent living abroad.
"Yes, there is potential for naturalization, but we will focus on leveraging our diaspora," Dito explained. "If there are talented individuals with Indonesian bloodlines from any corner of the world, we will certainly consider bringing them into the fold.”
This approach aligns with the government’s broader strategy of cultivating a sense of national pride while also tapping into the vast pool of talent among the Indonesian diaspora. By doing so, Indonesia can field competitive teams without losing the essence of national representation.
Dito’s comments also reflect his belief that the talent pool within Indonesia is already substantial. He expressed confidence in the ability of local players to compete at the highest levels, citing their ability to secure world and regional championships as proof of their skill and dedication.
A Closer Look at the Naturalization Debate
Naturalization in esports is not unprecedented. Several countries, including South Korea and the United States, have seen players from different nationalities compete under their flags due to dual citizenship or expedited naturalization processes. However, the concept of naturalization in esports is more complex than in traditional sports.
Global Nature of Esports
Unlike traditional sports, esports is inherently global. Many players compete across international boundaries without the limitations of geographical or national affiliations. This makes naturalization in esports a less pressing issue than in sports like football, where national teams are central to international competitions.
Skill Versus National Identity
Esports is a merit-based industry where skill and strategy are paramount. While national pride plays a role in international tournaments, many fans prioritize the quality of gameplay over the nationality of players. Naturalizing players could strengthen a team but might dilute the sense of local representation if done excessively.
Infrastructure Over Imports
Critics of naturalization argue that instead of importing talent, countries should invest in developing their esports ecosystems. This includes building training facilities, hosting tournaments, and providing financial support for aspiring players. Minister Dito’s focus on maximizing local potential and nurturing diaspora talent reflects this philosophy.
The Indonesian Esports Team for IESF 2024
Indonesia’s national esports team is set to compete in the 16th IESF World Esports Championships, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The team will participate in three categories: Mobile Legends, Mobile Legends Women, and PUBG Mobile.
Here are the athletes representing Indonesia:
Mobile Legends
- Muhammad Reza Kurniawan (Rezzz)
- Albert Neilsen Iskandar (Alberttt)
- Calvin Winata (CW)
- Nicky Fernando Pontonuwu (Kiboy)
- Gilang (Sanz)
- Luke Febrian Valentinus
Mobile Legends Women
- Viorelle Valencia Chen (Vival)
- Venny Lim (Fumi)
- Vivi Indrawaty (Vivian)
- Cindy Laurent Siswanto (Cinny)
- Michelle Denise Siswanto (Chel)
PUBG Mobile
- Made Rendy Dwi Krisna Putra (Reizy)
- Teuku Muhammad Kausar (Ponbit)
- Fazriel Haikal Aditya (Yummy)
- Excel Tio Ananta (Frenzzy)
- Dhika Fadiano (Flyboy)
The team’s preparation for the championship has been intensive, with athletes undergoing rigorous training and strategy sessions. The government has also provided full support, ensuring the team has the resources needed to excel.
Esports and National Identity
As esports continues to gain recognition, it raises questions about national identity in this rapidly evolving landscape. What does it mean to represent a country in a digital sport? How does naturalization fit into this new paradigm? For Indonesia, the focus remains on fostering local talent while exploring avenues to enhance competitiveness, such as leveraging the diaspora.
Minister Dito’s emphasis on balancing naturalization with nurturing homegrown talent reflects a broader vision for the future of Indonesian esports. By prioritizing sustainable development, the government aims to position Indonesia as a global esports powerhouse.
The question of whether Indonesia will naturalize esports athletes underscores the dynamic nature of this growing industry. While the possibility exists, Minister Dito Ariotedjo’s focus on the diaspora and local talent highlights a strategic approach that prioritizes long-term development over quick fixes. As the national esports team gears up for the IESF World Esports Championships 2024, their performance will serve as a testament to the strength of Indonesia’s homegrown talent.
With a mix of strategic planning, government support, and an ever-expanding talent pool, Indonesia is well on its way to solidifying its place in the global esports arena. Whether through naturalization or the empowerment of local and diaspora players, the future of Indonesian esports looks brighter than ever.
