The Mandalika MotoGP Is Rumored To Be Canceled, KOI Proposes Quarantine Discretion

Menpora Zainudin Amali (Humas Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the National Olympic Committee (KOI) Raja Sapta Oktohari views quarantine discretion for athletes from abroad as very urgent.

The government is asked to think about the number of sporting events that will take place in Indonesia.

"Hopefully an answer will be given from the results of this meeting. We see it is important for the treatment that can be given to athletes who are fighting for the country," said Oktohari after attending a coordination meeting with Menpora Zainudin Amali, Wednesday, January 19, as received by VOI in an official statement.

This discretion allows sports players who come from abroad to undergo quarantine with different policies. The policy aims to make it easier for athletes to access training to maintain their performance and not be disturbed by a long quarantine process.

Indonesia itself will host several major sporting events this year. One of the most interesting events is the MotoGP at the Mandalika Circuit in March.

Previously, rumors of this event being canceled had surfaced to the public after Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta, as the manager of MotoGP, spoke about the quarantine policies of each country hosting the prestigious event.

In a statement, Ezpeleta said that the race would be canceled in a country that required a long quarantine for racing teams. Thus, if Indonesia does not provide quarantine exceptions for sports players, it is very likely that MotoGP in Indonesia can be canceled.

"This policy is deemed necessary so that they can maximize their performance (athletes) for better sports achievements. There are many sports agendas in the future," said Oktohari. As of January 12 yesterday, KOI has submitted a letter of application for discretion or changes to regulations related to sports actors and supporters.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports in the near future will write to President Joko Widodo to request a quarantine exemption for athletes who come from abroad.