A coin from viral game app Jagat is shown on Jan 16, 2025. The app has triggered treasure hunts in large cities across Indonesia as successful players can find coins placed in parks or sports stadiums and receive cash from the game company. (X/X)
JAKARTA: Following reports of widespread vandalism across Indonesia, viral location-sharing app Jagat has announced a major shift in the gameplay of its most attractive in-app feature and game, treasure hunt.
Jagat’s initial goal of helping users connect with friends and family has been overshadowed by the frenzy surrounding its new coin hunt feature, where players use their phones to track down hidden, bottle-cap-sized coins scattered in everyday locations.
Each coin, designed in bronze, silver or gold, represents cash prizes ranging from Rp 300,000 (US$18) to a staggering Rp 100 million (US$6,105).
The trend has seen individuals of all ages and groups scouring obscure locations in pursuit of these lucrative awards – walls, trees, park fences and even gutters – despite Jagat’s assurances that the coins would not be found in water, underground, behind bricks or in restricted areas.
Yet the app’s explosive growth – with 200,000 new downloads daily on Google Play, pushing its total to over 5 million – has not come without challenges.
Reports soon followed, highlighting public disturbances, property damage and unsafe behaviour in major coin hotspots like Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya.
GBK facilities In Jakarta, for example, damage was reported at popular Jagat coin-hunting sites including the Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Sports Complex, where plants were trampled and paving blocks were dismantled.
In response, the Communications and Digital Ministry summoned Jagat Cofounder Barry Beagen on Wednesday (Jan 22) for clarification.
“Based on constructive discussions with the ministry, we will transform the coin hunt feature into Misi Jagat [Jagat Mission] to encourage users to make positive contributions to public spaces and facilities,” he said, apologising to the affected parties.
Under the new rules, players must participate in community service activities such as cleaning litter, planting trees, repairing public facilities or supporting small businesses to continue the game.
Participants are required to document these efforts on TikTok using hashtags like #MisiJagat and #GenerasiPeduli as proof. Only then can they unlock new clues for coin locations.
In addition, Jagat has suspended the hunt for three days to remove coins from high-risk areas prone to further damage. The company also introduced a reporting channel for the public and authorities to flag issues arising from the platform.
“We believe this new initiative will help improve public spaces while engaging users in positive actions,” Beagen said.
Accounts engaging in reckless behaviour or property damage will face permanent bans. Reactions to the overhaul have been diverse, with many netizens turning to social media to voice their frustrations and suggestions.
Some criticised the game’s limited geographic scope, with one user commenting, “Make the challenge available for other provinces, please, not just Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Bali.”
Others, particularly those who had paid for premium features, questioned what would happen to their subscriptions under the updated system.
Meanwhile, government officials have emphasised the importance of protecting public order.
Speaking on Thursday, communications and digital ministry spokesperson Angga Raka Prabowo referenced Government Regulation No. 71 of 2019 on the Operation of Electronic Systems and Transactions, which mandates safeguarding public interest from disruptions caused by digital platforms.
“If a platform developer violates these rules, we will not hesitate to take firm action,” Angga said. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
