Esports is often associated with games, cheering fans, and competitive glory. But in Indonesia, the Cyber Breaker Competition (CBC) Season 2 showed it can mean much more—serving as a vital step in building the nation’s cyber defense.
Beyond a Tournament
Unlike conventional Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, CBC Season 2 blended the technical intensity of cybersecurity with the spectacle of esports and the accessibility of edutainment. This innovative format made cybersecurity approachable for students, gamers, and the general public alike.
The response was overwhelming: 619 participants from across Indonesia stepped up to compete, reflecting a growing interest in cybersecurity among the nation’s youth.
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Testing Skills That Matter
The 2v2 match format wasn’t just designed for entertainment—it was carefully crafted to test two essentials of cyber defense: technical expertise and teamwork. From online qualifications to the Swiss Stage, Knockouts, and the Grand Final at CBC Arena, Cyber UNAS Jakarta, participants endured challenges that sharpened both skill and resilience.
Meet the Champions
The tournament crowned new talents who could one day stand on the digital frontlines of the nation:
- 1st Place – PETIR – UDP2P
Wrth (Bill Elim) & Lordrukie (Yudistira Arya Mutamang) - 2nd Place – C*M
Chovid99 (Nicholas Rianto Putra) & Djavaa (Muhammad Abdullah Munir) - 3rd Place – Ing Madya Mangun Karsa
jjcho (Jericho Nathanael Chrisnanta) & Haalloobim (Muhammad Bimatara Indianto)
Their success is proof that Indonesia’s youth hold enormous potential—what they need are platforms like CBC to unlock it.
A National Priority
The event carried weight beyond competition. The presence of senior government leaders—including representatives from BSSN (National Cyber and Crypto Agency) and Kemenparekraf (Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy)—underscored cybersecurity as a strategic national priority.
As BSSN’s Slamet Aji Pamungkas emphasized, Indonesia must cultivate local talent to secure the nation against domestic and international threats. Meanwhile, Muhammad Neil El Hima of Kemenparekraf urged a shift in perspective: cybersecurity should not be seen merely as a cost, but as an opportunity to develop a thriving new industry.
Cross-Industry Collaboration
At its core, CBC Season 2 was about collaboration. Hosted by Peris.ai in partnership with Team RRQ, the event showcased how esports can act as a gateway to digital talent. As RRQ CEO Andrian Pauline (Pak AP) noted, esports is already a natural entry point for young people into the digital world, making CBC an effective bridge into cybersecurity.
Industry support added further strength, with ASUS ROG, East Ventures, Asteria Cyberindo Pratama, and Snowman among the key sponsors. Together, they demonstrated how cybersecurity is now part of the broader digital ecosystem.
Strengthening Indonesia’s Digital Shield
Beneath the excitement, CBC Season 2 carried a deeper message: Indonesia must build a digital frontline capable of defending the nation. The competition was not just entertainment, but a strategic initiative to raise awareness, train talent, and prepare a new generation of defenders.
If events like CBC continue, Indonesia won’t just be ready to counter global cyber threats—it could emerge as a leader with its own homegrown cybersecurity industry. In every sense, CBC Season 2 was a concrete step toward securing Indonesia’s place as a true host in its own digital homeland.