NOBARTV NEWSSC – The Indonesian MotoGP event at the Mandalika Circuit, Lombok, on September 27-29, 2024 is confirmed to still take place. InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) has been in intensive communication regarding the payment of hosting fees with various parties, including Dorna Sports, the MotoGP commercial rights holder.
According to the latest report, the Rp231 billion allocated for hosting fees is still in the process of being paid. Although there were obstacles, special attention from the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) and support from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) provide optimism that this problem can be resolved soon.
Troy Reza Warokka, Chairman of Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2024, stated that various parties have been willing to provide financial support to ensure that MotoGP Mandalika 2024 runs smoothly. One of them is the Ministry of Youth and Sports which has expressed its commitment to providing special attention regarding the payment of this hosting fee.
In addition, the Central Lombok Regency Government also showed good intentions to contribute, although formal communication is still in process. Collaboration between the central government, regions, and various ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, is also an important factor in securing smooth hosting fee payments.
"This is not a big problem because many parties are ready to help. We are optimistic that the implementation of the 2024 Mandalika MotoGP will take place as planned," said Troy.
In an interview with the media, Troy also revealed that the payment of hosting fees can be made either before or after the race. Dorna Sports, as the organizer of MotoGP, does not have a problem with the payment time as long as all commitments are met.
"The most important thing is that the race is still going ahead and the technical preparations are 95%. We just have to finalize the final details," Troy added.
Along with the development of hosting fee payments, technical preparations at the Mandalika Circuit are also ongoing. The process of repainting the track, including curbstones, has been completed, ensuring that the circuit is ready for use for this international event.
Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) President Director, Priandhi Satria, also stated that the maintenance of technical equipment such as the timing system, CCTV, and LED start/finish lights have been confirmed to be functioning properly. This provides assurance that from a technical perspective, the Mandalika Circuit is ready to welcome world racers.
Meanwhile, from the commercial side, ticket sales for the 2024 Mandalika MotoGP continue to show an increase. To date, around 45% of the ticket target has been sold, with VIP tickets even sold out.
"We are confident that, as race day approaches, ticket sales will continue to increase. MotoGP Mandalika is a major event that not only supports the promotion of Indonesian tourism, but also encourages economic growth in the surrounding community," said Troy.
In the coming year, hosting fee payments are expected to no longer be a problem thanks to the establishment of the Indonesia Quality Tourism Fund (IQTF). This program is designed to support major tourism events such as MotoGP, which have great potential in attracting tourists and boosting the regional economy.
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, said that the IQTF program has been approved by the President and Vice President-elect. With this program, Indonesia will be more prepared to host various international events without having to face financing constraints like what happened this year.
"This is an important step to ensure the sustainability of MotoGP and other tourism events in Indonesia. Next year, with IQTF, the problem of financing hosting fees will no longer be an obstacle," said Sandiaga Uno.
MotoGP Mandalika 2024 is confirmed to be held with strong support from various parties. Collaboration between the central government, regional governments, and related ministries is the main key in overcoming the problem of hosting fee payments. In addition, technical preparations at the Mandalika Circuit are almost complete, ensuring that the racing event runs according to plan. With ticket sales continuing to increase and a long-term solution in the form of IQTF, MotoGP Mandalika is expected to continue to be a proud showcase for Indonesian tourism.
