Juan Ardya Guardiola, Basudiwa Supraja, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto is considering restricting online games after a student was linked to a school explosion that injured 96 people, according to a senior official.
Blasts inside the mosque of a school complex occurred during Friday prayers last week. The school in question was SMAN 72 Jakarta, a high school located within the Navy complex in Jakarta's Kelapa Gading. Reports showed that a student, who other pupils had often bullied, had allegedly brought a homemade bomb. Officers reportedly discovered a soda can believed to be part of the explosive device. An airsoft-style rifle bearing references to notorious mass shooters was found at the scene.
State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi recently unveiled the government's plan to restrict online games, particularly those that show excessive violence and weapons. Prabowo was considering the plan when he gathered some of his officials, including Police Chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, in his residence over the weekend.
"The president said that we need to come up with ways to restrict and find a solution to the negative effects of online games," Prasetyo told the press following the meeting in Jakarta over the weekend.
"There is a possibility that such games can influence our youth."
He listed PUBG, the popular online battle royale game, as an example.
"Take PUBG as an example. Players can easily learn the types of weapons. And they will start to normalize violence," Prasetyo said.
Games, particularly those available on mobile apps and online platforms like Steam, have been gaining popularity over the past years. The government reported that Indonesia had over 150 million gamers as of 2023.
In addition to possible online game curbs, the government plans to revive the scouting program Pramuka. Prabowo also wants more young people to join karang taruna or youth organizations. The government expects such a plan to nurture "the spirit of togetherness and social awareness", according to Prasetyo. The president also urged teachers to be more aware of the students' behavior at school.
"Teachers must be more aware if their students show any suspicious signs," Prasetyo said.
The suspect is still receiving medical treatment as the investigation is underway.