"Welcome To Mandalika" T-shirts Are Selling Well In The Middle Of The MotoGP Event

LOMBOK - The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia was used by a number of traders to earn a fortune by selling T-shirts at the entrance area of the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, Central Lombok, Lombok.

Beni Karya together with about a dozen other traders tried to offer T-shirts with the words "Mandalika" or a picture of a circuit in front of the area which is usually a photo spot for visitors, Saturday.

"Garos!" said Beni, waving the money he received from buyers into his merchandise, which meant "selling well."

Beni previously worked at the hotel as a housekeeper. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced him to be laid off from his job, and racked his brains to seek sustenance.

He then started selling T-shirts at the Kuta beach resort, Lombok, but he didn't make a lot of profit because the tourist spots were still empty of visitors.

The WSBK superbike world championship in November last year became a moment to reap more fortune. Likewise with the MotoGP title this time.

"If there is no event, at most 10 seeds are sold. If there is an event, it can be doubled. If there is no event, Rp. 100 thousand or Rp. 150 thousand, sometimes it is empty, but if there is an event, it can be Rp. 500 thousand," said Beni as quoted by Antara, Saturday. , March 19.

Even though he can't sell in the circuit area, Beni is very grateful to be able to offer his wares in front of the entrance area even though it's in a makeshift condition without a mat.

Likewise with Saparoni, another t-shirt trader. According to him, the government has made a special place for traders to sell. However, his location which is far from the circuit -- which is currently the center of the crowd -- makes him and other traders desperate to sell.

"Pay the rent of Rp. 120,000 per month but there are no guests. Hopefully there will be many events, always busy, the economy will progress," said Saparoni.

Thanks to the Mandalika MotoGP, he who usually only managed to bring home a net worth of Rp. 50,000 was now able to reap a profit of up to Rp. 200,000.

T-shirts are offered with prices starting from IDR 100,000 for three items. There are also those that are priced at IDR 100,000 for two shirts depending on the material and size.

In addition to shirts, there are also traders who offer hats at a price of Rp. 50,000, while bracelets are sold at a price of Rp. 5,000 to Rp. 10,000.