Minister Erick Thohir Backs MotoGP Mandalika 2026 as Economic Growth Engine Through Sport Tourism

Youth and Sports Minister (Menpora) Erick Thohir attended the official launch of the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia MotoGP series on Thursday afternoon (18/6/2026). The launch was marked by the beating of a traditional ‘gendang beleq’ drum from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) at the InJourney Sarinah office on Jalan MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta. During a talk show session, Menpora Erick emphasised the government’s full support for the Indonesian MotoGP series, which is being held for the fifth time this year. He noted that the previous edition at the Mandalika International Circuit, as part of sport tourism, had provided a significant multiplier effect for Indonesia, particularly in the economic sector. ‘The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia or MotoGP Indonesia is not just about sport, but a momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s nation branding. It strengthens the position of The Mandalika, Lombok, and NTB as a world-class sportainment destination,’ Menpora Erick stated. He explained that the 2025 MotoGP Indonesia demonstrated the country’s capacity to host world-class events professionally and sustainably. The event recorded 140,324 spectators, with a national economic impact reaching IDR 4.96 trillion. Meanwhile, the economic turnover in host region NTB reached IDR 2-4 trillion, with a multiplier effect of up to two times, involving over 600 MSMEs and 3,000 local workers. MotoGP also serves as a means to expand the automotive sports ecosystem, including becoming a reference for clubs, racing schools, and motorsport communities, especially with local racers like Mario Aji and Veda Ega Pratama achieving world-class success. Menpora Erick expressed hope that the 2026 MotoGP event in October would deliver an even greater impact for Indonesia. ‘The growth in spectators has been proven, the economic impact has been proven, and the creation of talent has also been proven. Now, we must continue to improve so that events like MotoGP can be even more successful. This is the fifth event, a good event. We must not waste this momentum. Moreover, sport tourism and sporting achievement are already included in the President’s National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). We already have a major vehicle whose economic impact continues to grow,’ he added. The Minister affirmed Kemenpora’s commitment, particularly through the Deputy for Sports Industry Development, to continue supporting international events held in the country. ‘Insyaaallah, as Menpora, I will safeguard and encourage these events to continue running well. We at Kemenpora are once again very pleased and supportive, and if there are any issues, we are ready to help,’ he asserted. Also present as speakers alongside Menpora Erick were InJourney CEO Maya Watono, IMI Chairman Moreno Soeprapto, NTB Vice Governor Indah Dhamayanti Putri, and Bappenas Deputy for Economic and Digital Transformation Vivi Yulaswati.