Luhut Says Mandalika Was Unpopular Before, But Now It's Being Talked About Wolrdwide Because World Superbike: The 24-Year Wait Has Paid Off

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani. (Photo: Doc. Kemenko Marves)

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that currently the Mandalika tourist destination is in the spotlight both from greetings and abroad. This happened after the international motorcycle racing event cited by world racers namely World Superbike (WSBK) took place in the area.

Furthermore, Luhut said, Mandalika was not as popular as other tourist destinations. In fact, Mandalika is included in the list of five super priority tourist destinations developed by the government.

"Currently, the name Mandalika is being talked about throughout the country and even abroad because of the loud roar of the engines of motorbikes racing at this circuit," he said, quoted from his personal Instagram @luhut.pandjaitan, Monday, November 22.

Luhut admitted to directly reviewing the Mandalika Circuit, in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to ensure and see firsthand the racing event which was held at the circuit with a total length of 4.3 km and has 17 bends.

"It is a matter of pride when we see that this circuit has been successfully built, tested and carried out by all the organizers," he explained.

The difficulties, obstacles, and ridicule during the construction process, said Luhut, were no longer felt after the circuit project was completed.

"It feels like the wait for 24 years has finally paid off with the implementation of this international level racing event," he said.

For your information, the construction of the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit and the implementation of the WSBK is the result of working together with the Central Government, Regional Government and all other stakeholders, including synergies between SOEs including Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Aviata, PTPP, Pertamina, Himbara, and other SOEs.

KEK Mandalika as the location for the 2021 WSBK is included in the five Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP) managed by PT ITDC.

Meanwhile, the venue used, namely the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, is a form of synergy between Pertamina and ITDC which was written in the Cooperation Agreement between the two SOEs in October 2021.

Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) was developed with the concept of Sport Tourism, namely a tourism destination that has complete supporting facilities, landscapes, and natural potential that is suitable for holding various types of sports and entertainment activities or entertainment combined with tourism activities.