"The Mandalika Circuit will indeed host a MotoGP race in October this year," the minister stated while attending the Shell Eco Marathon event at the international circuit on Sunday.
Minister Thohir stressed that it requires more efforts than merely holding MotoGP and the World Superbike (WSBK) races to develop sport tourism at the Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Therefore, the government continues to hold various events at the circuit, including the Shell Eco Marathon, which is attended by hundreds of domestic and foreign college students.
"We (the government) are striving to make Mandalika the host for various events," he noted.
The construction of the Mandalika Circuit is already complete, but the government commits to building various supporting tourism facilities and infrastructures to further promote and develop the Mandalika SEZ, including by planning to create a world-class horse racing circuit and golf course.
"We are developing this area to become an attractive sport tourism destination," the minister affirmed.
To that end, Minister Thohir is seeking support from regional governments and the public to work hand in hand with the central government with the goal of developing the Mandalika SEZ.
"The development efforts are also aimed at supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and boosting the public economy," he explained.
Thohir informed that the international circuit is projected to serve as the host for other sporting events in addition to the MotoGP race in the hopes of attracting much more tourists to visit, which, in turn, will stimulate the public economy to grow.
"We are currently endeavoring to draw car racing organizers to hold a race at the Mandalika Circuit," he revealed.
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Translator: Akhyar Rosidi, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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