Indonesia to Promote Tourism through Esports Tournaments

Jakarta, Infopublik—Indonesia’s Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio was intended to promote Indonesian tourism through a world series esports tournament, the Free Fire Champions Cup 2020.

Wishnutama expected that the tournament set to be held in Jakarta on 19 April 2020 will contribute to the growth of local creative economy, as well as serve as a platform to introduce Indonesia’s beauty to participants coming from various countries.

“Free Fire Champions Cup 2020 can attract esports fans to visit Indonesia and find out the beauty of Indonesia,” said Wishnutama, when addressing the media at Gelora Bung Karno press conference room, Monday (10/2/2020).

The tournament which contests Free Fire games developed by Garena will be participated by 12 international esports teams from Asia, America, Europe, and Africa. Participants will compete for a total prize of Rp8.18 billion or around US$597,35.

Garena Indonesia Director Hans Kurniadi Saleh, said that the fact that Indonesia was chosen to host the tournament reflected Indonesia’s good progress in the development of local esports ecosystem and industry.

According to Hans, Indonesia has completed a long process of negotiations and bidding to finally be able to be selected as a host. In addition, Hans also said that only countries with good indicators of esports growth can host the Free Fire world championship.

“It will be the first time for Free Fire global tournament to be hosted in Indonesia, after its last year’s organization in Bangkok, Thailand, which saw simultaneous global online crowd of more than 8,480,000 views. The Indonesian EVOS team won the Free Fire’s first global champion last year," said Hans Kurniadi.

Youth and Sports Ministry secretary Gatot S. Dewa Broto stated that Indonesia’s esports ecosystem has undergone better development. This is reflected in the success of organizing a number of esports tournaments, one of which is the Esports 2020 Presidential Cup which is concluded this February.

"We provided financial support for first Esports Cup in 2019. This year, however, it is not needed, because the tournament can be run independently. This is a sign that the esports tournament has considerable market and economic potential," explained Gatot.

Meanwhile, Wishnutama stated that the esports tournament has the potential to increase foreign exchange earnings in addition to conventional tourism. However, he advised the organizers to be committed in organizing the event.

"Unlike other tournaments that sell natural beauty, esports offer events organization and experiences that would leave a deep impression for visitors," explained Wishnutama.

He also encouraged the esports industry players to be more active in hosting international-scale events in Indonesia.

"The more events we host, the more we can introduce Indonesia’s attractions, so foreign tourists visits can be increased," said Wishnutama.