PUBG Mobile is once again under scrutiny from Indonesian authorities. A petition has been filed with the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology (MCIT) urging a nationwide ban on PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Mobile Legends, and similar online games.
These battle royale titles dominate the market, captivating millions, but their addictive nature poses serious risks, especially for teenagers who form the core player base.
The Regent of Mukomuko in Bengkulu Province has formally requested the MCIT Minister to block PUBG Mobile, Garena Free Fire, Mobile Legends, and others in the district. The Regent highlights their detrimental effects on children's health, including addiction-fueled violence, gambling elements, and mental health issues among young players.
These games stifle creativity and imagination while contributing to physical ailments. Bustari Maller, Mukomuko's Communication and Information Officer, stressed the urgency: "The Regent has submitted a petition to the MCIT's Directorate General of Information Applications to block online games in Mukomuko District."
This move stems from widespread local complaints about the games' impact on schoolchildren's education, with titles like PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, Mobile Legends, and Higgs Domino drawing heavy criticism.
On health concerns, Maller noted: "Addicted children face visual impairments, obesity, and Quervain's syndrome."
Related: PUBG Mobile Ban Update: New Anti-Cheat System Bans 3,884,690 Accounts This Week
Should Indonesia proceed, it would join nations like India, Nepal, Jordan, China, Afghanistan, and Iran in restricting PUBG Mobile. Reports also suggest potential bans for PUBG Mobile Global in Korea and Japan.
