GP Ansor Deputy Secretary General Appointed as MGPA Commissioner
PT InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has appointed Sabolah Al Kalamby as a commissioner of PT Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), the manager of the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Sabolah is known as a senior activist of the Indonesian Islamic Students’ Movement (PMII) in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). He currently serves as Deputy Secretary General (Wasekjen) of the Central Leadership of Gerakan Pemuda Ansor (GP Ansor).
This appointment forms part of the restructuring of MGPA’s board of directors and commissioners to strengthen the development of sport tourism and the organisation of international events in Mandalika.
Sabolah expressed his commitment to collaborate and synergise with the local government. “I extend my thanks to all parties, especially to the Governor of NTB, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, for his support and commitment to continue collaborating in developing Mandalika as one of NTB’s and Indonesia’s icons in the eyes of the world,” Sabolah stated in his remarks on Wednesday (13/5/2026).
According to him, Mandalika’s development should not only focus on the success of international events but must also deliver tangible economic and social impacts for NTB communities, particularly residents around the Mandalika area.
Therefore, Sabolah stated that one of the main focuses to be continually promoted is to increase the involvement of local resources in every event held at the Mandalika Circuit. He cited the MotoGP event and other international events where NTB natives have begun participating as marshals and support staff.
“The MotoGP event already involves local sons and daughters, and for other events, we will continue to strive for greater local community participation,” he said.
As a native son now in MGPA, Sabolah emphasised his moral responsibility to ensure Mandalika truly becomes a space for economic growth for NTB communities. In his view, international events must create job opportunities, strengthen MSMEs, and drive sustainable regional economic growth.
Sabolah noted that state-owned enterprises are certainly required to provide dividends and profits for the state. However, the management of the area and international events in Mandalika must also consider the broader economic impacts felt by society.
“In the future, MGPA will also pay more attention to the economic impacts arising from various major events in Mandalika,” he asserted.
The figure who once served as Secretary General of the Central Board of the Indonesian Islamic Students’ Movement assessed that Mandalika has great potential to develop into a world-class sport tourism centre. However, this success can only be achieved through strong collaboration between MGPA, the local government, communities, youth groups, business actors, and all regional elements.
“I am ready to bridge communication between various community elements and MGPA so that area development runs harmoniously and provides long-term benefits,” he asserted.
Currently, Sabolah also serves as Deputy Secretary General of Gerakan Pemuda Ansor and Regional Coordinator of Bali-Nusa Tenggara for Karang Taruna. His extensive experience in activism and organisations is considered a vital asset in building strategic networks to support Mandalika’s development.
In the new MGPA structure, the position of President Director is held by Ananda Mikola. The other directors are Dony Mahardjono and Poppy Senduk. The board of commissioners consists of Marrel as Chairman, along with Ara and Sabolah Al Kalamby as commissioners.