14th October 2023, BALI – The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) is giving its full support to the MotoGP Mandalika 2023, scheduled to take place from 13th to 15th October 2023 at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara. This sporting event serves as a platform to further promote the country’s ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ branding.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, announced in an official statement received in Jakarta on Saturday that the Mandalika MotoGP is one of Indonesia’s premier sports tourism events. According to him, the influx of attendees, both in-person and those tuning in internationally, creates an effective opportunity to showcase ‘Wonderful Indonesia’.
“MotoGP has a vast and passionate fan base. Indonesia is home to one of the world’s largest MotoGP fan communities,” Sandiaga stated.
The race, organized by Dorna, is expected to draw coverage from about 119 media partners and reach over 200 countries, enhancing the global visibility of ‘Wonderful Indonesia’.
The ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ branding is prominently displayed at various points within and around the Mandalika circuit. The branding can be seen at turns 16 and 18 of the Mandalika Circuit, Wonderful Hills (Bukit 360), and various other spots. Furthermore, ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ branding will also adorn vehicles parading MotoGP riders around the Mandalika circuit before the warm-up lap session.
But it doesn’t stop within the confines of the circuit. The ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ branding will be showcased in various formats outside, including signage, neon boxes, traditional banners, and shuttle buses. In addition, a side event called Mandalika Seru will feature a three-day creative economy bazaar, giving a platform for creative entrepreneurs to gain wider recognition.
Sandiaga added that, according to the country brand strategy rating, ‘Wonderful Indonesia’ ranks 25th, boosting the competitiveness of Indonesia’s tourism and creative economy. He emphasized that ‘Wonderful Indonesia’, as brand equity, has become an identity of Indonesia’s tourism and creative industry recognized globally.
“The MotoGP Mandalika event is also a strategy to introduce Mandalika as one of our top priority destinations. We encourage everyone to explore and experience Indonesia,” Sandiaga further commented.
He expressed optimism in the potential growth of sports tourism, especially with Indonesia hosting the Mandalika championship for a decade since 2021. Reflecting on the 2022 MotoGP Mandalika, Sandiaga highlighted the economic impact of IDR 3.57 trillion to West Nusa Tenggara’s economy and IDR 4.5 trillion nationally, creating jobs for 4,600 individuals.
“We hope this event can boost the economy, open business opportunities, and create jobs. We believe this is the right strategy at the right time,” Sandiaga remarked.
Meanwhile, Deputy for Marketing at Kemenparekraf, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, invited the public to support the 2023 Mandalika MotoGP.