Two Indonesian Racers Appear in Mandalika, ITDC Says the Breeding Process Begins to Bear Fruit

JAKARTA - PT InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) considers the presence of two Indonesian racers at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 to be proof that the process of training national racing athletes is beginning to bear fruit.

Veda Ega Pratama will perform in the Moto3 class, while Mario Suryo Aji will compete in Moto2 at the event held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on October 9-11, 2026.

ITDC Operations Director Troy Reza Warokka said the presence of Veda Ega and Mario Aji was a happy news for the development of Indonesian motorcycle racing.

"The most happy thing this time is that we get an extraordinary benefit given by God, we have two Indonesian racers who are present in Moto2 and Moto3, Veda Ega and Mario Aji," said Troy in a Media Gathering with Local Heroes Indonesia at Gelora Senayan, Jakarta, Friday, July 17.

According to Troy, the success of the two racers to penetrate the world racing event shows that the Indonesian racer breeding process is going in a positive direction. However, he reminded that their journey is still long to be able to compete at the highest level.

"This proves that the breeding process and the process of traveling Indonesian athletes are not empty barrels," he said.

Troy added that the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit has become an important part of building a national racer development ecosystem. Various racing agendas that are held regularly at the circuit are considered to have produced new talents.

"Alhamdulillah this circuit every week there is always activity, there is always a race, even to the four wheels. Not only Veda Ega and Mario Aji, but also other names of other racers who were born from the routine of the agenda carried out at the Mandalika Circuit," he said.

Ahead of the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, ITDC together with InJourney continue to mature the preparation of the Mandalika area, ranging from the race track to supporting infrastructure such as airports, hotels, and other facilities.

"We are ready, including of course Pertamina gas stations. So it means that we are ready not only for the circuit, but also for the area because the momentum this time is how our local heroes are global," he said.

According to Troy, all the work, including repainting the track, was carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and Dorna. He is optimistic that this year's Indonesian MotoGP will receive a bigger response than the previous season.

"It's amazing, it seems to be more enthusiastic than last year because there are Indonesian racers. Proof of this is that ticket purchases are quite good, the early bird has sold out, and now the ticket movement is moving well," he said.

Meanwhile, Honda Team Asia rider Mario Suryo Aji admitted that he used the time to recover from the competition to prepare for the home race in Mandalika.

"Preparation in Mandalika may be practicing as usual. Now there is three weeks before the race, so this time we use the opportunity to go home to recharge fully, meet the family, balanced with training," said Mario.

Mario also said that his motivation to perform in Mandalika was very high because the support of the Indonesian people was a special encouragement for him.

"Because competing in the World Championship is not just training. We also need to rest a little at home. The motivation and ambition that we have to face the Mandalika Grand Prix is very high because of the incredible enthusiasm," he said.