esports governing bodies Indonesian Esports Association and PBESI haver merged as the country prepares to host the IESF World Championship later this year ©Indonesian Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs

The Indonesian Esports Association (IESPA) has merged with the PBESI, also known as the Indonesian Esports Executive Board, a forum that oversees all esports activities in Indonesia and is directly under the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Committee of Indonesia.

PBESI daily chair Bambang Sunarwibowo, secretary general Frengky Ong, IESPA chairperson Ibnu Riza and secretary general Diana Sutrisno were some of the dignitaries present as the merger was officially confirmed. 

The collaboration could pave the way for a better and improved esports ecosystem in the country.

The merger comes as the Indonesian province of Bali prepares to host the 2022 International Esports Federation (IESF) World Championship, scheduled to take place from November 27 to December 9.

The Olympic Committee of Indonesia President Raja Sapta Oktohari has urged the IESPA to make the most of the opportunity.

"Recently, the Olympic Council of Asia has signed a strategic partnership with Tencent to promote esports development in Asia with Asian Esports Federation," Oktohari said.

"Through the IESF World Championship, we have to show that Indonesia is 'Blooming in Asia' and hope the event will be a part of the Asian Games regularly."

Esports is set to make its debut as a medal sport at the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Hangzhou from September 10 to 25.

IESPA chair Riza thanked the Olympic Committee of Indonesia for their support during the campaign to host the World Championship and promised the IESPA would give its all to host the prestigious event successfully.

"In the international scene, Indonesia is a raw model," Riza said.  

"We have a huge population of gamers, very high activities, and many competitions.

"IESPA is the frontline of esports ecosystem in Indonesia."