Freeze Clauses in Indonesian Esports Contracts
Legal Protection and the Principle of Balance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24252/al-risalah.vi.58311Keywords:
Freeze clause, Principle of balance, Esports contract, Legal protection, Employment lawAbstract
The rapid development of the esports industry in Indonesia has led to the formation of increasingly formal employment contracts. One controversial clause found in these contracts is the freeze clause, which allows teams to suspend players' professional activities without clear justification, time limit, or compensation. This study explores the legality of such clauses in light of the principle of balance in Indonesian contract law. Using a normative juridical method with a statute and case approach. This research finds that freeze clauses—if applied unilaterally—can violate the principle of good faith and constitute abuse of circumstances (misbruik van omstandigheden). Esports players who are disadvantaged by such clauses may pursue remedies through mediation, arbitration, or litigation. Therefore, reforms in standard esports contract practices are needed to ensure fairness and legal protection for players.
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