REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora) Erick Thohir believes that the holding of MotoGP in Indonesia will be a catalyst for the birth of more international sports events. According to him, the presence of this prestigious racing event not only brings the impact of achievements, but also promotes sports tourism and the growth of the national economy.
“Like deja vu, four years ago it was asked MotoGP should be a road. Today I come as Menpora, and this will encourage other sporting events,” Menpora Erick said in Jakarta, Monday (29/9/2025).
Menpora added that the organization of MotoGP is not only the pride of the nation, but also opens up great opportunities to accelerate the escalation of tourism and strengthen the economy. He is ready to synergize with various parties, from Danantara, InJoy, to the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) to succeed in the agenda.
“In the future, in addition to taking care of youth, we will also promote sports, improve sports achievements, and bring about the economy of sport tourism. We ensure that there is economic growth and acceleration of tourism that supports economic progress,” Menpora said.
InJourney President Director Maya Watono confirmed that this year's Mandalika MotoGP event is important. Indonesia is entering its fourth year of implementation.
“We want the best. One hundred percent preparation, the racers are already in Jakarta. This event is not just a sports event, but sport tourism that brings the name of the nation, the socioeconomic of the local community, and at the same time branding Indonesia in the eyes of the world,” Maya said.
He said MotoGP Mandalika was witnessed globally by 171 million pairs of eyes, with 23.8 percent or about 25 million spectators coming from Indonesia. “This global standard event proves that we can compete internationally. Money turnover increased 9.8 per cent a year. MSMEs also grew by 30—50 percent during the event, and 70 percent of the workers at the event were local. There were 2,073 NTB volunteers who were trained directly by the FIM. In fact, our marshals are now trusted all the way to Sepang and Japan,” he said.
Maya added that InJourney also brings the cultural nuances of NTB from arrival at the airport to the circuit area. According to him, this achievement can only be realized thanks to the cooperation of all stakeholders.
“Otherwise gotong royong, this would not be possible. We hope that October 3—5 will be more successful than before,” he said.
Erick also hopes MotoGP will be an event of continued international pride. “Hopefully a lot more acceleration for international events. There are not many multi-year events like this, and MotoGP will be around until 2031,” he said.
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