Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Limited Meeting on Preparation for 2022 Mandalika MotoGP, Raja Hotel Kuta Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara Province, January 13, 2022

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,
Good afternoon,
May prosperity be upon us all.

Distinguished Ministers,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Earlier during the meeting at the Mandalika Circuit, I mentioned several matters.

If we take a look again [the process] from getting off the plane to exiting the terminal, exiting the airport, then entering the bypass to Mandalika, I want to make sure that the preparation for the 2022 MotoGP in Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara province is made properly without any trouble.

We only have one month left to prepare for the pre-season test on 11-13 February and two months for the MotoGP series on 18-20 March.

We are racing against time.

There are several issues that I would like to emphasize once again.

First, the readiness of Lombok International Airport services as an entry point for MotoGP racers, officials, and guests. We have to make sure that the arrival procedures will not be complicated. Everything must be fast and safe from COVID-19.

There are three issues that we should pay attention to, namely flight slots. Earlier, I also mentioned several things that need to be anticipated regarding the arrival of the guests.

Also for loading and unloading logistics for the race participants. Do not let small issues like the one happening during Superbike—unloading logistics without permission of the team—spur negative news.

We also have to ensure smooth process at the airport, starting from immigration, health protocols, customs. We must handle it well and smoothly. We also have to make sure that transportation from the airport and from Kupang to Mandalika be very well-prepared to anticipate surge in domestic and foreign travelers. Manage 63,000 people is not easy.

The participants come from other countries, from Indonesia, and also the surrounding communities. MotoGP has indeed enormous fans in Indonesia.

Second, regarding various landscape arrangements. As mentioned by Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, the bypass road project to Mandalika will be completed at the end of February 2022.

As for road arrangements, reforestation of the area, road structuring and arrangements to Mandalika, road widening, including the widening of the Kuta-Keruak road, everything has started.

For the arrangement of settlements, homestays, souvenir stalls, food stalls, and others still need major upgrade so that Mandalika can fully transform during MotoGP.

Third, facilities inside the circuit. We must speed up the upgrading of facilities and infrastructure in the circuit, starting from the construction of royal boxes, paddock, to pit bulls for drivers and officials.

I noticed an issue in the drainage system, which still cannot accommodate heavy rainfall. We must prepare it well since the rainfall may be extreme so the drainage system must be ready to accommodate it.

We must also start the construction of spectator stands as soon as possible and re-paving if needed. [We must provide] electricity supply and relocate residents who still reside in the circuit area. I heard it was resolved.

Fourth, I would like to hear report on fee payment for MotoGP as discussed in the previous meeting.

Fifth, regarding the readiness of supporting facilities, such as hotel, homestay, restaurant. Previously during Superbike event, we encountered problems regarding lack of those facilities. We must prepare and calculate it correctly.

For souvenir shops, we must involve local MSMEs, local craftsmen in the province and other provinces. We must also prepare promotion materials of tourist destinations that can be visited after or before the MotoGP.

That concludes my remarks.

(EST/EP)