Mandalika Set to Roar the World

ISTANA KEPRESIDENAN/AGUS SUPARTO

President Joko Widodo drives his racing motorbike while testing the Mandalika Circuit, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Friday (12/11/2021).

The Mandalika International Circuit in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is set to launch its maiden race on Saturday (13/11) with the world-class sports hub expected to become Indonesia's new pride-provoking icon. Professional management is called for to ensure its sustainability.

PUJUT, KOMPAS — The Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit, as it is known for commercial purposes, is ready to welcome its first series of world-class racing events. Following the completion of improvements, the 4.3 kilometer circuit, which was inaugurated by President Joko Widodo on Friday (12/11/2021), could provide a driver for the country’s economy.

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The Asia Talent Cup (ATC), starting today, will be the curtain-raiser spectacle at the circuit, which is located in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), featuring riders from Asia and Oceania.

Before being used by world racers in the racing competition, the gorgeous beachfront circuit provided President Jokowi with the opportunity for a fun-ride during its inauguration day. After inspecting the buildings and other facilities of the circuit, Jokowi glided on a Kawasaki W175 for one lap, accompanied by a riding cordon.

After the riding tour, the President said that he could have sped up his bike, had it not been for the wet condition of the track after rain.

“The Mandalika circuit is a new circuit and it was just raining, so I didn't dare to run fast. Even though I was not speeding, I think the others were far behind," Jokowi joked.

He said the entire circuit and supporting facilities were ready for use. After the ATC, next on the race schedule is the World Superbike next week and the Moto GP, the world's most prestigious motorcycle race, in March next year. "Alhamdulillah [praise be to God], the construction of the 17.3 km Lombok International Airport bypass road to Mandalika has been completed and is now ready for use. The 4.3 km Mandalika Circuit, with the latest asphalt technology and stone mastic asphalt, has also been completed and is ready to support the world-class events," the President said.

NTB Governor Zulkieflimansyah looked forward to the positive impacts brought by the presence of the Mandalika circuit along with its world-class sporting events, saying that it would help the Indonesian economic recovery.

He hoped that Mandalika would not only host racing events, but also other sports, such as golf, in the future.

The Mandalika development as a special economic zone is believed to lure in further investment. According to the Investment minister, who also heads the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Bahlil Lahadalia, currently there are around 40 companies investing in Mandalika.

KOMPAS/ISMAIL ZAKARIA

President Joko Widodo wears a helmet before testing the Pertamina Mandalika Highway International Circuit in Kuta, Pujut, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Friday (12/11/2021).

He believed the MotoGP spectacle would help encourage investment. “The operation of the Mandalika Circuit will attract many tourists. Right now, hotel occupancy in Mandalika and Mataram is full as the World Superbike is approaching," he said.

Rifat Sungkar, Indonesian Motorcycle Association (IMI) deputy chairman for mobility division, said that the Mandalika Circuit held the prospects for Indonesia to bring in more prestigious racing events.

“Mandalika can hold TCR, GT3, GT4, Asian Endurance Race, F3, F4 and many others. On the condition that some improvements are made in term of security, this circuit can also be used for the Formula 1 race," said the international rally driver.

Rifat, who has vast experience in world rally series, hailed the Mandalika Circuit as a track with a complete and perfect layout, elevation and (challenging) turns. The circuit has slow, medium and fast corners as well as a section for extreme speedup.

This circuit layout marks Mandalika as one of the international circuits that challenges world racers and promoters, as well as attracting those from Asia, Australia and New Zealand to compete regularly in the Mandalika SEZ. Well-arranged promotion is also believed to be able to draw European and American racers.

Among them is Jonathan Rea, a six-time Superbike world champion, who said he could not wait to perform at Mandalika.

The Mandalika Circuit is applauded by world racers for its uniquely appealing scenic backdrop overlooking the sea. Among them is Jonathan Rea, a six-time Superbike world champion, who said he could not wait to perform at Mandalika.

Rea, a Northern Irish racer who is eyeing his seventh Superbike world title at Mandalika, posted on his Instagram account.

“#Counting down to Lombok final race of the year. Seeing loads of great pics and video from the new circuit there. Can’t wait to see all the Indonesian fans!”

KOMPAS/ISMAIL ZAKARIA

Visitors take pictures with the motorbike used by President Joko Widodo to test the Pertamina Mandalika Highway International Circuit in Kuta, Pujut, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, Friday (12/11/2021).

The inaugurated Mandalika Circuit is also expected to instill motivation among Indonesian young racers to perform well in international events.

“I feel excited to race at home and become one among the first riders to experience the new circuit in Mandalika. I will make use of this extraordinary opportunity as best as possible to achieve,” Herlian Dandi, a young racer under PT Astra Honda Motor, said about his participation in today’s ATC 2021 Mandalika series.

The on-track enthusiasm must be offset with off-track professionalism, according to Rifat, who said facilities and work management had to be improved. He added that the logistics warehouse and goods storage needed to be expanded further.

The officers in charge must also comply with ethics and rules. It is crucial to avoid incidents like what recently occurred during a cargo inspection involving the Ducati Superbike team by Customs on Wednesday. Video footage of the incident is going viral on social media and has sparked misunderstanding and could tarnish the image of the Mandalika Circuit. (ZAK/INA/ECA/JON)

(This article was translates by Musthofid).