The idea to hold Moto GP event received a direct response from President Joko Widodo."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesian ministers held a closed door meeting to discuss the countrys readiness to hold the Moto Grand-Prix (Moto GP) event in Sentul circuit, West Java.

The meeting was held at the Presidential Advisory Board (Watimpres) office here, Wednesday.

"The idea to hold Moto GP event received a direct response from President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). According to the data, Indonesians comprise the largest chunk of audience that watches Formula One race in Singapore and Malaysia," said a member of the advisory board, Suharso Monoarfa, shortly after the discussion.

Besides the advisory board members, a number of ministers attended the meeting, including Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nahrawi, Public Works and Housing Minister Basoeki Hadimoeljono and Tourism Minister Arif Yahya.

Besides, the meeting was also attended by Indonesian Motors Association (IMI) chief Nanan Soekana, automotive sector figure Tinton Suprapto and Indonesian racer Ananda Mikola.

"We must discuss this Moto GP event immediately. I have submitted the budget to the parliament. The government is really serious in preparing for this event as it will help boost the tourism sector," said Youth and Sport Minister Imam Nahrowi.

Tourism Minister Arif Yahya said the Moto GP event would have a great impact on Indonesia.

"The event would be aired live on 270 television channels in 60 countries. It involves a business potential of three trillion Rupiah," said Yahya.

"If a small country like Singapore can hold the event, we, too, can hold it. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing is ready to support with infrastructure building," said the Public Works and Housing Minister, Basuki.

Nanan Soekarna said the event was only one of 1,200 racing events that happen every year.

"In a year, there are about 40 Indonesians overseas waving the Red and White in automotive racing events," said Soekarna.

Even a small country like Italy has 100 circuits, and Indonesia should have at least one in each district, which can not only be used for racing but also to impart traffic education.

Currently, the Sentul Circuit is categorized as grade 3. In order to be a grade 1 circuit, it needs a little make up, Tinton Suprapto said.
(T.A050/Uu.INE/KR-BSR/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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