Located on the island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara, the Mandalika circuit has become famous as the backdrop for world-class motorsport events in Indonesia. Supported by a range of new infrastructure in the surrounding area, the circuit has gained international fame and helped make Lombok one of the rising stars in Indonesia’s tourism landscape.
In addition to MotoGP, the Mandalika Circuit has hosted the World Superbike Championship for two seasons and has played a key role in positioning Indonesia as a major player in the global sports tourism industry. The circuit was built by (now former) President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo as part of his administration’s drive for nationwide infrastructure development, aligned with his vision for equitable economic growth with an emphasis on development beyond Java and tourism beyond Bali.
“The Mandalika Circuit not only contributes to infrastructure development in West Nusa Tenggara, but also provides a major boost to the local economy and tourism sector,” says Troy Waroka, chairman of the 2024 Indonesia MotoGP. “Mandalika is the first sports tourism destination in Indonesia to achieve global recognition,” he added.
Now that Jokowi’s term has come to an end, many observers are taking stock of his achievements and considering the legacy his administration leaves behind, specifically for tourism in the archipelago. Mandalika in particular has proven to be a key driver of economic growth for surrounding communities, benefiting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lombok.
Centred on sports, local training and development has helped raise tourism standards to international levels and elevate local talent. Islanders have become qualified race marshals and tourist guides, while the surrounding hospitalities landscape has also seen a noticeable boost, both in terms of popularity and the quality of offerings. This process has further enhanced Lombok’s competitiveness in tourism and hospitality.
“The training programs have significantly improved the skillset of local workers, making them more competitive in the global tourism and hospitality sectors,” Troy said. “We extend our deepest appreciation to President Joko Widodo for his unwavering commitment to developing the Mandalika Circuit, a monumental legacy for the Indonesian people.”
