Jakarta, The Europe Today: Indonesia has declared its readiness to host the International Esports Federation World Esports Championship (IESF WEC) 2026, scheduled to take place from December 15 to 22 at ICE BSD in Tangerang, Banten, with around 700 participants from 101 countries expected to compete.
Indonesia Esports Central Board (PB ESI) General Chairman Muhammad Herindra said at a press conference in Jakarta on Monday that the championship offers Indonesia an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity as a host of international esports competitions while also improving the achievements of national athletes.
“Today I want to convey one message, which is that Indonesia is ready to be the stage for world esports,” Herindra said.
Three Priorities Ahead of the IESF World Esports Championship
Herindra explained that PB ESI has set three priorities in developing national esports: strengthening Indonesia’s capacity to host international competitions, improving the achievements of national teams, and involving all elements of the esports ecosystem.
According to Herindra, Indonesia holds great potential for esports development, supported by its large young population and vibrant gaming community. However, he stressed that this potential must be matched by sustained development efforts to produce athletes capable of excelling at the world level.
Hosting the IESF World Esports Championship is therefore viewed not only as a prestigious international assignment but also as part of a long-term strategy to build a stronger and more competitive national esports sector.
Building on Past Success
Herindra reminded stakeholders that Indonesia’s success in previous championships should serve as motivation to maintain the country’s standing in global esports. He noted that Indonesia’s women’s national team for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) won the world title in 2022 and again in 2024.
In addition, the IESF named PB ESI the world’s best esports federation in 2024, a recognition that reflects Indonesia’s growing role in the international esports community.
“All administrators have an obligation to maintain that achievement,” he said.
Economic and International Impact
Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said that hosting the 2026 championship would benefit not only esports development but could also strengthen Indonesia’s international image and boost the national economy.
Thohir noted that 101 countries with about 700 participants are scheduled to take part in the IESF World Esports Championship 2026. With potential audiences of about 2,000 people per match, the event is expected to attract thousands of visitors throughout the championship period.
The minister also highlighted the scale of Indonesia’s gaming market, noting that the country has about 154 million gamers and that the gaming industry carries economic potential of Rp36 trillion.
A Platform for Indonesia on the Global Esports Stage
With a large domestic gaming community, proven competitive results and institutional recognition from the IESF, Indonesia enters the role of host with considerable momentum. The IESF World Esports Championship 2026 at ICE BSD is set to showcase the country’s organizational capability while offering national athletes the chance to compete against the world’s best on home soil.
As preparations continue, organizers and government officials alike are presenting the championship as an opportunity to position Indonesia as a leading destination for international esports events in the years ahead.
