Minister Uno, in an official statement received here on Monday, stated that the total number of spectators at the three-day international racing event reached 102 thousand, exceeding the target of 100 thousand people.
In his statement, Uno remarked that the racers, who competed in the 4.32-kilometer Mandalika Circuit, had expressed their appreciation.
The top three racers -- Francesco Bagnaia, Maverick Vinales, and Fabio Quartararo -- also received a typical Lombok dagger, or keris, as a gift from the locals.
"I handed over the gift from the people of West Nusa Tenggara to them. Quartararo said it is spectacular, Vinales said it is amazing, and of course, Peco (Bagnaia), who won the first place, expressed 'Wonderful Indonesia,'" Uno stated.
Furthermore, Uno said, the 2023 MotoGP in Mandalika has a major positive contribution to local tourism and the creative economy.
He highlighted that during the event, the room occupancy rates had increased, and tourists purchased products of several micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
"We will assess the overall economic impact, and we are hoping around Rp4.5 trillion (US$286 million), which is the same as last year," he remarked.
Meanwhile, President Director of state-owned tourism development corporation PT ITDC Ari Respati stated that the MotoGP is not just a motorsport event but a platform for promoting Indonesia as a great nation.
"Our nation branding has surpassed Asia (scale), and now, the world must recognize us as a great nation. We must continue to raise the potential in our country," Respati remarked.
He also commended the ministry's support for the event through massive promotion.
"Next year, this event must be more global," he emphasized.
Related news: MotoGP Mandalika introduces Indonesia's hospitality: Kominfo
Related news: Ministry promotes Wonderful Indonesia at MotoGP Mandalika series
Translator: Kenzu Tandiah
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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