The MotoGP Mandalika 2025, held from 3–5 October 2025 at the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK Mandalika), drew international attention and delivered significant benefits to the local economy, employment, and investment in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

According to data from the Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), attendance reached 140,324 people, a 15.73% increase from the previous year’s 121,252 spectators. The final race day alone attracted 67,905 visitors, up from 60,709 in 2024.

MGPA also noted a 36% rise in visits to the Paddock and VIP Village, showing growing interest in the sport-tourism potential of Mandalika.

Hotel Occupancy Peaks as Tourism Surges Across NTB

All hotels within KEK Mandalika reached 100% occupancy, while average hotel occupancy across NTB stood at 93%. Residential homes, homestays, and guest houses in Central Lombok and Mataram were also fully booked by visitors unable to find accommodation in the main zone.

To manage the spike in tourist arrivals, Lombok International Airport added 44 extra flights during the MotoGP period. The number of local MSMEs permitted to sell in the circuit area also nearly doubled compared to 2024.

The Ministry of Tourism and the NTB Provincial Government estimated the total economic turnover from the event at around IDR 4.8 trillion, covering sectors such as accommodation, transport, culinary, and creative product sales.

Increased Local Participation and Infrastructure Readiness

InJourney President Director Maya Watono stated that this year’s MotoGP was the best to date in terms of service quality, infrastructure readiness, and community engagement. A total of 2,073 local workers from NTB were directly involved in the event's operations, including hospitality, security, logistics, and transport.

Ahmad Fajar, Director of Finance and Risk Management at PT ITDC (Persero), said the development and management of the Mandalika Circuit aim for long-term economic and tourism benefits, rather than short-term financial gain.

KEK Mandalika Strengthened as a Strategic Economic Driver

Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and Chair of the National Council’s Implementation Team for KEK, said the successful execution of MotoGP 2025 proves Mandalika’s effectiveness as a regional growth catalyst.

“President Prabowo Subianto requested a direct report on the development of all KEKs and their positive economic impact, particularly KEK Mandalika, which plays a significant role in economic growth,” said Susiwijono during a visit to Mandalika following a meeting with ITDC and MGPA executives.

By June 2025, KEK Mandalika had recorded IDR 5.7 trillion in realized investment, created 19,010 jobs, and hosted 28 active businesses. The government remains committed to sustaining Mandalika’s development as a hub for tourism, sports, and international investment in eastern Indonesia.

Plans are being explored to improve transport services, including a Sea-Plane route to connect Mandalika with other tourist destinations in Indonesia.

Culture and Innovation Highlight Mandalika’s Global Appeal

Amid the excitement of the races, visitors explored the Pertamina MotoGP Experience Gallery and the Lombok Sumbawa Museum of Civilization. These attractions offered interactive experiences related to MotoGP and showcased the region’s cultural heritage.

“It is very good that the NTB Provincial Government used an international event like MotoGP to promote Lombok’s culture to the world,” said Susiwijono.

Through collaboration between the central government, regional authorities, state-owned enterprises like ITDC and InJourney, and the local community, MotoGP Mandalika 2025 demonstrated the success of a cross-sector partnership that delivers tangible economic benefits and strengthens Indonesia’s global image.

PHOTO: KEMENKO PEREKONOMIAN

This article was created with AI assistance.