House Speaker Says MotoGP Mandalika 2022 Help Post-Pandemic Economy

DPR chairman Puan Maharani (left) and President Jokowi (right) watch the 2022 Mandalika MotoGP, Sunday 20 March. (Between/HO-DPR)

JAKARTA - The MotoGP event at the Mandalika Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) was a success. The House of Representatives (DPR) chairman, Puan Maharani, said the impact of the event was able to restore the economy after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have seen that flights to Lombok are full due to the race in Mandalika. Of course, this will also help the MSME, hotel, and local tourism industries in NTB", said Puan in a written statement, Sunday, March 20.

Not only in NTB but Puan also hopes that tourism in Bali can bounce back after a period of suspended animation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was attended by around 1,000 people from 115 delegated countries.

"We hope that the IPU session will be the beginning of an economic revival and the recovery of tourism in Bali and also the country", said Puan, as reported by Antara.

Ahead of the opening of the 144th IPU Assembly & Related Meetings in Bali, Puan Maharani visited the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok and watched the prestigious MotoGP race event.

"My presence here is to support the implementation of several racing events in Mandalika, including MotoGP. The Mandalika Circuit has improved Indonesia's image in the international eyes, and this is very proud of us as a nation", said Puan.

In Mandalika, Puan watched the MotoGP race from the stands above the Paddock. Before the race started, she saw firsthand the preparation of the MotoGP riders and the team before competing, such as when they changed tires and checked the bike.

Puan also deeply regrets the incident experienced by Marc Marquez during the warm-up session, which made the Repsol Honda MotoGP racer unable to compete.

"Unfortunately Marc Marquez can't compete in Mandalika. Hopefully, Marquez can be handled well and recover quickly from his injury so that he will return to compete in the next race", she said.