PRIME NEWS POST

The INDONESIAN , (JAKARTA) — Indonesia is entering a period of demographic and digital transformation that will profoundly shape human resource quality on the path to Golden Indonesia 2045. Generation Z and Generation Alpha are growing up immersed in an ecosystem of the internet, gaming, social media, artificial intelligence, and the creator economy.

This reality demands a shift in approach to youth development. Strategies relying solely on prohibition and enforcement are no longer sufficient. A far more strategic approach involves building a positive ecosystem that channels young people’s energy, interests, and free time into competence, creativity, achievement, and social responsibility.

Against this backdrop, National Police Chief Gen. Pol. Drs. Listyo Sigit Prabowo, M.Si.’s directive to expand esports competitions down to Police Sector (Polsek), Police Resort (Polres), and Regional Police (Polda) levels merits high appreciation.

This initiative goes beyond merely increasing tournament numbers. More profoundly, it represents an effort to bring youth development closer to communities at the local level. Following the tiered competition structure of the 2026 Kapolri Cup Esports, expanding activities to lower levels opens opportunities for a more accessible, regular, and sustainable development ecosystem.

From Prohibition to Positive Channeling

Youth development fundamentally requires spaces for self-expression that appeal to and remain relevant with the times. Much of young people’s energy—otherwise prone to diversion into negative activities such as illegal street racing, brawls, substance abuse, and other risky behaviors—needs positive alternatives.

Esports, sports, digital creativity, content contests, technology, and community activities can serve as positive channeling for youth energy. The principle is simple: effective prevention is not just saying “no,” but offering better options. Accordingly, local-level esports activities need not always be large-scale events. Simple, regularly held competitions—such as on weekends or tailored to regional characteristics—can yield longer-lasting social impact. What matters most is not grandeur, but consistency, sound governance, safe spaces, and activities that encourage young people to return and participate.

Brig. Gen. Pol. Adex Yudiswan: Bridging Esports and Cybersecurity

In this context, the role of Brig. Gen. Pol. Adex Yudiswan brings a strategic dimension to cultivating an esports ecosystem within the National Police. As Director of Cyber Crime at the Police Criminal Investigation Agency (Dirtipidsiber Bareskrim Polri) and Executive Chairman of the 2026 Kapolri Cup Esports, Adex stands at the intersection of youth development, technological advancement, and cybersecurity.

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This is critical: a generation deeply engaged with technology requires more than just operational know-how. They must also understand data security, digital ethics, cyberbullying, technology misuse, online fraud, and other evolving threats in cyberspace. Esports extends far beyond gameplay. Behind every player lies a broad professional ecosystem—coaches, analysts, casters, streamers, content creators, tournament organizers, tech developers, and other digital roles.

Well-run competitions foster strategy, communication, discipline, teamwork, decision-making, sportsmanship, and resilience. With proper guidance, the pathway can evolve from hobby to competence, competence to achievement, achievement to a career, and ultimately contribute to the broader digital industry. This constitutes one of esports’ strategic values as a human resource development tool.

Polsek, Polres, and Polda as Hubs for Development

The National Police Chief’s directive to bring competitions to local levels also enables more systematic development models. Polsek serves as an entry point for engagement and guidance; Polres acts as a tier for competition and talent scouting; Polda hosts higher-level contests; and the national stage showcases top talent from across regions.

This framework not only produces winners but creates a talent pipeline for youth throughout Indonesia. Young people in the regions gain opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities, while the Police build a medium to better understand the potential, character, and dynamics of local youth communities. This approach also demonstrates that police preventive functions can evolve with the times. Law enforcement remains a core duty when violations occur, but modern security requires prevention long before issues escalate. Digital literacy, community engagement, social outreach, and youth mentorship are all integral components of this effort.

From Esports Competition to Social Capital for Public Order

The most strategic benefit of such activities lies not in prizes or trophies, but in repeated social interaction. Young people who regularly visit Polsek or Polres premises for positive activities come to know the police in normal, constructive contexts—not only when legal problems arise. Conversely, police gain insight into community dynamics, youth character, and local social landscapes.

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Regular interaction builds familiarity; familiarity fosters communication; communication cultivates trust; and trust generates social capital that strengthens public order and safety (Kamtibmas). This social capital is vital in addressing social challenges, including dissent and public expression of aspirations. Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy, yet managing social situations requires communication, understanding, and persuasive engagement. When police and youth communities already maintain positive relationships, social distance narrows. Differences of opinion may persist, but communication channels are established. This is an often-overlooked added value of esports tournaments.

Cost-Effective Yet Sustainable Development

Youth development does not depend on lavish prizes. Modest rewards such as development stipends, books, stationery, sports equipment, certificates, and other forms of recognition are sufficient to drive motivation. The goal is to foster a culture of positive gathering, fair competition, discipline, creativity, and achievement—rather than chasing high-value incentives.

Existing local facilities, including activity spaces and internet connectivity, can be utilized responsibly. Collaboration with communities, businesses, academia, and other partners can be developed in accordance with applicable regulations. This allows development efforts to proceed efficiently without the need for large-scale events at every turn.

Strengthening the “Presisi” Spirit

Viewed broadly, expanding esports development to local levels aligns with the National Police’s Presisi (Precision) transformation spirit:

– Predictive: Anticipating shifts in youth behavior and associated risks;
– Preventive: Creating positive spaces before issues escalate;
– Responsive: Addressing community concerns effectively;
– Society-Oriented: Building security not just for the public, but together with the public.

Within this framework, the police network at Polsek, Polres, and Polda levels can fulfill a broader social function as hubs for interaction, communication, and community development.

From Event to Ecosystem

National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo’s leadership deserves recognition not only for promoting national-level esports competitions but also for framing electronic sports as a viable instrument for youth development and stronger police-community ties. Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Pol. Adex Yudiswan’s role in linking esports with cybersecurity underscores a key insight: nurturing a digital generation must go hand-in-hand with digital literacy and cyber awareness.

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Modern policing requires presence not only when crimes occur but also within communities—proactively understanding social changes and building relationships before problems emerge. Golden Indonesia 2045 demands a generation that is not only tech-savvy but also self-disciplined, collaborative, value-creating, achievement-driven, and socially responsible.

When young people have positive gathering spaces, talent has room to grow, and police maintain close community ties, even a modest competition can deliver benefits far exceeding its scale. Ultimately, it is not just esports being built—but an ecosystem of human connection. From Polsek, Polres, and Polda to the national level, competition arenas serve as spaces for development, which in turn foster connection, laying the foundation for trust between the National Police and society.

This is the strategic essence of expanding esports initiatives: channeling youth energy into productive social force, strengthening public order through preventive approaches, advancing digital security literacy, and preparing a generation capable of leading Indonesia toward its Golden 2045 vision.