Mandalika, Indonesia - The much-anticipated MotoGP Mandalika 2023 is gearing up to rev its engines and take center stage, poised to become a global sensation. Regarded as the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, this thrilling event will not only be a spectacle for motorsport enthusiasts but also serve as a powerful vehicle for promoting Wonderful Indonesia on the world stage.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2023, set to take place at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit from October 13th to 15th, has garnered wholehearted support from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf). As part of this support, the national branding campaign, Wonderful Indonesia, will be prominently featured at various key points within the Mandalika circuit and its surroundings. The eye-catching branding will be strategically placed at turns 16 and 18 of the Mandalika circuit, Wonderful Hills (Bukit 360), and several other strategic locations.
In a show of unprecedented enthusiasm, Wonderful Indonesia branding will also adorn the vehicles participating in the MotoGP parade that will wind its way around the Mandalika circuit before the warm-up lap. Sandiaga Uno, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, expressed his strong belief that MotoGP Mandalika is one of the most significant sports tourism events in the country. Leveraging this global motor racing event to promote the nation branding initiative of Wonderful Indonesia is a strategic masterstroke.
The event, organized by Dorna, is expected to receive coverage from approximately 119 media partners, reaching over 200 countries. This global exposure promises to elevate the international recognition of Wonderful Indonesia.
"The vibrant crowd of spectators at MotoGP Mandalika, both in person and through international live broadcasts, presents an effective promotional opportunity. MotoGP boasts an extensive and dedicated fan base, with Indonesia being one of the largest MotoGP fan communities in the world. This is precisely what we aim to harness, particularly given that Indonesia is one of the largest fan bases for MotoGP globally," Sandiaga emphasized in his statement on Saturday, October 14, 2023.
The promotion of Wonderful Indonesia is not limited to the confines of the circuit; it will also spill into the areas surrounding the race track in various forms, including signage, neon boxes, banners, shuttle buses, and the Mandalika Seru side event—an exciting three-day creative economic bazaar.
Furthermore, Sandiaga highlighted the fact that Wonderful Indonesia is ranked 25th in the country brand strategy rating, significantly boosting the competitiveness of Indonesia's tourism and creative economy. Wonderful Indonesia has evolved into the hallmark of Indonesia's tourism and creative economy industry, garnering recognition worldwide.
"Events like MotoGP Mandalika are strategic endeavors aimed at introducing one of the super-priority destinations, Mandalika, and, of course, encouraging our citizens to explore their own country by adopting the #DiIndonesiaAja (Just in Indonesia) attitude," Sandiaga added.
Optimism abounds regarding the potential for growth in the sports tourism industry, especially with Indonesia set to host the Mandalika Championship for a decade, starting from 2021. Drawing inspiration from the positive impact of MotoGP Mandalika 2022, this year's event is expected to create a substantial economic ripple effect. The 2022 event contributed an estimated Rp3.57 trillion to the economy of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and an impressive Rp4.5 trillion to the national economy, employing 4,600 individuals.
"We anticipate that this event will reinvigorate the economy, open new business opportunities, and generate jobs on a grand scale. We firmly believe that this is a well-targeted, beneficial, and timely policy," Sandiaga Uno concluded.
As the engines roar and the world turns its attention to Mandalika, the stage is set for a thrilling MotoGP Mandalika 2023 that not only promises high-speed racing but also an opportunity to showcase Wonderful Indonesia to the world, leaving an indelible mark on the global sporting calendar. With MotoGP in Indonesia's corner, the future looks bright for both the nation's tourism industry and its creative economy.