Mandalika Goes Global, MotoGP 2026 Expected to Strengthen Indonesia's Tourism Promotion

Mandalika is not only preparing to become a world-class motorcycle racing venue. This tourism area in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is also expected to strengthen its role as a gateway for promoting Indonesian tourism to the international market through the 2026 Indonesian MotoGP event.

InJourney President Director Maya Watono stated that hosting the Indonesian MotoGP at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit also accelerates tourism development in the area and across West Nusa Tenggara more broadly.

"This Indonesian MotoGP event is accelerating tourism development in The Mandalika," said Maya during a coordination meeting for technical preparations of the Indonesian MotoGP event held in Mandalika, Central Lombok, NTB.

According to Maya, the impact of hosting MotoGP and other racing events is already visible in the rising number of tourist visits to Lombok, coming from both domestic and international markets.

"There is a very high number of foreign tourists arriving in Lombok. This brings significant foreign exchange revenue for NTB and for Indonesia as a whole," she stated.

For the tourism industry, the arrival of large numbers of international visitors carries far greater meaning beyond just an increase in visitor counts.

International sporting events such as MotoGP create opportunities for Indonesia to introduce its tourist destinations and travel experiences on a global scale.

Maya added that holding MotoGP in Mandalika strengthens Indonesia's national branding worldwide. For this reason, Mandalika is expected to become increasingly recognised as one of the leading faces of Indonesian tourism on the international stage.

"Mandalika is expected to reinforce the promotion of Indonesian tourism," she said.

The 2026 Indonesian MotoGP, scheduled for 9–11 October, holds additional appeal for domestic audiences. For the first time in this year's edition, two local riders will compete in separate championship classes.

The participation of Mario Aji and Veda Ega Pratama adds a unique dimension to the Mandalika race.

"These two pride of Indonesia riders: Mario Aji competing in Moto2 and Veda Ega Pratama in Moto3, will take to the Mandalika Circuit," she stated.

Beyond being an international sporting agenda, the 2026 MotoGP also serves as a moment for the Indonesian public to watch their national riders compete on home ground in front of their own supporters.

From the regional government side, host preparations are being accelerated continuously. West Nusa Tenggara Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal confirmed that the provincial government alongside InJourney has been preparing all requirements for the 2026 Indonesian MotoGP.

"Various improvements have been carried out covering connectivity, security, facilities, and the involvement of local communities in the MotoGP implementation," he stated.

Indonesian MotoGP events at Mandalika have been held five times previously. This experience serves as a foundation to prepare this year's edition to ensure smooth technical operations and service standards.

For the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, success of the event is not measured solely by how smoothly the races run. Tangible benefits received by surrounding communities are also a critical component of the MotoGP organisation.

"This event must deliver real impact for local communities. The Mandalika area must not be seen as an exclusive entity belonging only to the central government, it belongs to the people of West Nusa Tenggara," he said.

Lalu expressed hope that hosting this international scale event will also accelerate economic growth for communities living around the area.

"MotoGP is the flagship major event for Mandalika, let us all work together to make this event a success," he stated.

ITDC Operations Director Troy Warokka confirmed that overall readiness for the 2026 Indonesian MotoGP has reached 95 percent.

"Preparation of supporting facilities and infrastructure, as well as track improvements continue to be carried out in full compliance with standards set by Dorna," he explained.

Mandalika is once again preparing to welcome global attention this coming October. Beneath the roar of MotoGP engines, this area carries a mission to introduce Lombok and the tourism potential of West Nusa Tenggara, while strengthening Indonesia's global profile through this world-class sporting event.