JAKARTA, JOURNALARTA.COM – Indonesia’s esports team secured three spots in the Asian Games 2026 Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, main draw after Naraka Bladepoint, Identity V, and Honor of Kings (HOK) advanced through regional qualifying. The most striking result came from HOK, which swept every opponent without conceding a single point.
This result sends a strong signal that Indonesia is not just there to participate. With eight total disciplines set to appear in Japan — three through qualification and four automatic entries — the Red and White contingent is arriving to compete.
Perfect HOK Run: 6 Wins, 77-0
The Honor of Kings squad under coach Glen Richard Pangalila delivered a performance that looked almost unreal. They played six matches. They won all six. Their total elimination score stood at 77 to 0, and Mongolia, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan failed to score a single point throughout the tournament.
Those numbers are more than a statistic. They reflect a well-drilled strategy, tight team synchronization, and player mechanics that showed no gap from the opening match to the end of the group stage.
MLBB and PUBG Mobile Still Have Work to Do
Two other disciplines are not in the clear yet. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang opened qualifying in Singapore on June 18-21, 2026, with a decent start: two 2-0 wins over Laos and Vietnam in Group A, which also includes the Philippines and Malaysia. Consistency will be mandatory if the ticket to Japan is to stay in hand.
PUBG Mobile faces a tougher test. The team is competing in Ho Chi Minh City, placed in Group A with Thailand, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Kazakhstan — opponents with long international tournament experience. The margin for error is razor-thin.
Four Disciplines Already Locked In
Indonesia has also been confirmed for direct entry without going through qualifying in eFootball, Gran Turismo, Pokémon UNITE, and Competitive Martial Arts. Those four slots add more weight to the Red and White esports delegation in Japan later on.
With eight disciplines in total, this becomes one of Indonesia’s most complete esports appearances at the Asian Games.
Coach: This Is Only the First Step
Richard Permana, head coach of Indonesia’s esports national team, said the excitement should not turn into complacency.
“The success in these three disciplines shows that we can compete at the top level in Asia. HOK’s perfect run is expected to motivate the others. But this is only the first step — the real challenge lies in the main draw, so we will keep evaluating and prepare more thoroughly,” Richard said, quoting Esport.id.
PB ESI, through the National Team Unit, is continuing to make sure the athletes’ needs are met. Physical, mental, and technical preparation will be intensified before the main competition begins in Aichi-Nagoya.
All eyes are now on Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City to see whether MLBB and PUBG Mobile can join their three teammates on Asia’s biggest stage.
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