MotoGP Mandalika 2022 Must Be A Symbol Of Indonesia's Tourism And Economic Awakening

JAKARTA - Long before MotoGP resonated in Indonesia, the country's automotive history according to the National Archives of motorcycle racing was first held at the Siliwangi Race. The race was held at the Husein Sastranegara Air Force Base, Bandung on 4-5 September 1965.

The absence of a permanent circuit and the lack of funds were obstacles to the lack of fast motorcycle racing at that time.

Then in 1970, during the reign of Governor Ali Sadikin, Jakarta built a permanent circuit located in the tourist area of Ancol, North Jakarta. The circuit in Ancol itself is considered inadequate due to sea water seepage and its location which is too close to residential areas.

In 1992, Indonesia built a new and permanent circuit in Sentul, Bogor, West Java. The history of the Sentul Circuit began after the International Automobile Federation (FIA) approved its construction in 1989.

Since then, many international-scale automotive competitions have been held at the Sentul Circuit. A number of events, such as the 1995 Superbike, Indonesia Grandprix, Formula Asia, helped bring the circuit to life. In fact, world racer Valentino Rossi, who is a 125cc GP world champion, also competed and won the 1997 Marlboro Indonesia Grand Prix. At that time Rossi was still a young racer.

The Mandalika Circuit track continues to be improved before it is used for the Mandalika 2022 MotoGP racing event. (Photo: MotoGP.com)

After experiencing ups and downs, Indonesia is again trying to revive the automotive racing world, through the construction of the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok, NTB. The Indonesian government is trying to revive automotive sports and Lombok tourism which is being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, with the hope that new talents in motorcycle and car racing will emerge, following Rio Haryanto and Sean Gelalel who have participated in world-class racing.

The quality of the Mandalika Circuit has been recognized by the top Superbike riders. Now, Mandalika is entering a crucial phase to show the world that Indonesia can be relied on, by holding the 2022 MotoGP series professionally.

Previously, four types of international motorcycle racing had been held at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on 19-21 November 2021. At the 4.3 kilometer circuit, the Asia Talent Cup was held, Supersport 600, Supersport 300, and World Superbikes 2021.

In addition to being a runway for racers, the presence of this international standard circuit should also be able to move the wheels of the economy, both macro and micro, especially for the surrounding community. The charm of this circuit and the natural beauty of NTB, especially Lombok, should also be used to attract tourists.

Momentum to Get Investors

Through a press release, the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (Kemenkop UKM) said it would encourage SMEs in the automotive sector in the country to take advantage of the Mandalika MotoGP momentum to attract investors. Because, the prestigious world-class racing event will be the door for Indonesia to show off in the automotive sector.

Coordinating Minister for SMEs, Teten Masduki, said that the MotoGP 2022 agenda, which was held for the first time in Indonesia, provided an opportunity for Indonesia to raise the national automotive industry and the supply chain of automotive parts.

One of the corners that describes the beauty of the scenery at the Mandalika Circuit. (Photo: MotoGP.com)

"The improvement in the automotive industry will automatically increase the supporting sectors, including vehicle suppliers, spare parts, which are MSMEs," said Teten in the Opening of MSMEs Goes To Mandalika.

Indonesia's economic growth in 2021 was recorded at 3.69 percent after previously experiencing a recession due to economic pressure. Meanwhile, the automotive industry as a whole last year recorded a growth of 17.82 percent with employment of 1.5 million people along the industrial value chain.

The high absorption of employment opportunities reflects the demand for the automotive market in Indonesia is still quite high.

"This year we are entering a year of transformative recovery. A recovery that does not only grow but must have resilience so that our MSMEs are more resilient," said Teten.

Repsol Honda team racer, Marc Marquez while testing the Mandalika Circuit in the 2022 MotoGP pre-season test on 11-13 February. (Photo: MotoGP.com)

Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Motor Association, Bambang Soesatyo, targets the Indonesian automotive sports world to return to color the international automotive world when the Covid-19 pandemic subsides. Therefore, apart from MotoGP, Indonesia must again prepare itself to design circuits for F1 in the future.

"Apart from being the organizer of international racing events, IMI must also prepare Indonesian racers to be able to participate and compete in these events. Thus, Indonesia can be successful as an organizer and successful for its athletes," said Bambang, in a press release.

The magical power of the Mandalika Circuit must become a symbol of the revival of tourism and the economy after two years of being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mandalika, do your magic....