Thousands celebrate Indonesian independence at Mandalika Circuit

Thousands of residents around the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK) in Central Lombok Regency celebrated the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia in 2026 at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Monday.

“Why is it being held at the circuit? We want to show that the Mandalika Circuit remains open to the general public,” said Ahmad Fajar, Acting President Director of Injourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), after leading the 81st Indonesian Independence Day commemoration ceremony at the Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok on Monday.

For this reason, the activities at the Mandalika Circuit involved residents, students, young people, the Indonesian National Armed Forces and National Police, business operators and communities around Mandalika.

The involvement of all parties shows that the independence celebration at Mandalika is a shared celebration, not merely an internal company activity.

“This independence commemoration is not only realised through honouring the heroes, but also through care for the environment and providing sustainable benefits for the community,” he said.

He said the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit is known as a stage for various national and international motorsport events, so on Independence Day it becomes a space for togetherness and a public celebration.

“Today’s activities are a collaboration of all parties, ranging from a carnival parade around the circuit, peresean attractions and other activities,” he said.

He said the circuit’s presence is expected to give rise to new heroes in the world of motorsport, because local Indonesian hero racers have now appeared, namely Veda Ega who competes in Moto3 and Mario Aji in Moto2.

“We hope their presence can have a positive impact on tourism development and can deliver the best performance for the Indonesian people on the international agenda,” he said.