"We are delighted that the WRC has formally conveyed its interest in including Indonesia in its calendar of events," he remarked during a press conference after the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the WRC at his office in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The MoU resulted from the meeting between the minister, WRC Senior Event Director Simon Larkin, and representatives of several sports stakeholders, including the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI).
Ariotedjo assessed that holding a WRC event would significantly benefit Indonesia's motorsport landscape.
He noted that in addition to the event itself, the WRC might also facilitate Indonesian rally drivers' enrollment in an apprenticeship program with the rally team or car manufacturers affiliated with the championship organizer.
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Moreover, he noted that the WRC has a program dedicated to nurturing female rally drivers through a junior-level competition.
He also expressed optimism that the world championship, which Indonesia last hosted in 1996 and 1997, would promote the appeal of the country's sports tourism and positively impact the tourism and creative economy sectors.
Meanwhile, IMI Chairperson Bambang Soesatyo noted that Indonesia aims to host a WRC event in Toba, North Sumatra, next year.
"There are 14 events in the 2026 WRC calendar, and we seek to add an event in Toba," he stated.
He then highlighted that hosting a WRC event would further enrich the list of international motorsport events hosted by Indonesia, complementing MotoGP and Formula E.
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Translator: Aloysius L, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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