Indonesian Esports Body Threatens to Ban VALORANT Teams Who Refuse to Represent the Country

The Indonesian Esports Central Board (PBESI) has issued a clear warning to the Indonesian VALORANT players and squads who are on the fence about representing the country at the upcoming SEA Games 2023.

In an Instagram post recently, PBESI secretary-general Frengky Ong said their refusal to represent the country at the games could result in a six-month suspension from competitive events.

“Would game publishers impose a 6-month suspension from all tournaments, competitions, and leagues in Indonesia for VALORANT teams and players that decline to represent their nation for no apparent reason?”

According to a report by VALO2ASIA, Ong also claimed that there was a possibility that VALORANT players and teamsrefused to represent their nation in the upcoming SEA Games because it was not financially rewarding.

He said in contrast, the teams and players from PUBG Mobile and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang had demonstrated excellent synergy with the nation.

“The squad and its athletes do not compete in the global championships in Brazil and Korea. They are now in Jakarta,” said Ong.

“Moreover, the timing and location for practice do not conflict with the time and location for national selection and training. Maybe they do not want to represent their nation since it is not financially rewarding.”

Ong also said Indonesia-based BOOM Esports wanted represent the country without going through the national selection process.

The ruling body, however, rejected the organisation's request, stating the need for all players in Indonesia to have the same opportunity to play for their country in a fair process. He also cited the 1945 Indonesian Constitution (UUD), which stresses that defending the nation is a constitutional right and duty of all Indonesian residents.

Gary Ongko Putera, the chief executive officer ofBOOM Esports, rejected the accusation.

“I have never asked to be picked,” he said on Instagram, adding that he merely proposed a qualifier or selecting the champion of VCL Indonesia Split 1 to represent the nation.

Ongko said VALORANT teams would not want to split up to form a mixed team for the SEA Games, and that he sent his team to undergo the national selection process. However, the team refused to participate due to unspecified reasons.