MotoGP Mandalika 2026: NTB Urges Residents to Show Their Best as Global Guests Arrive

MATARAM, Lombokpedia.id – The 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is not only about the fierce competition among the world’s top motorcycle racers at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. For West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), the event is also an opportunity to showcase the region’s readiness as a host while driving tourism and the local economy.

The message was delivered by NTB Deputy Governor Hj. Indah Dhamayanti Putri during the MotoGP Celebration event, held alongside a community exercise session on Jl. Udayana in front of the NTB Communication, Informatics and Statistics Agency (Diskominfotik) office on Sunday (Oct. 4, 2026).

Popularly known as Umi Dinda, the deputy governor called on NTB residents to play an active role in making MotoGP 2026 a success by becoming friendly, orderly and welcoming hosts capable of providing memorable experiences for both domestic and international visitors.

“We, as Indonesians, particularly the people of NTB, must be ready to be good hosts,” Umi Dinda said.

She said that as Mandalika captures global attention, local communities have an important role in shaping the image and impression visitors take away from the region. Hospitality, safety, comfort and quality services, she added, are all part of the experience that tourists and spectators will remember long after they leave.

For that reason, Umi Dinda hopes MotoGP will generate broader benefits beyond the circuit area, reaching local MSMEs, the tourism sector, the creative economy, artists and communities across NTB.

Community involvement was also reflected in the MotoGP Celebration event on Jl. Udayana, which combined group exercise with promotional and informational activities related to the 2026 MotoGP. Umi Dinda expressed her appreciation to the various institutions and community groups involved in supporting the event.

“I invite the entire community to join in making the 2026 MotoGP a success,” she said.

On the event’s preparation, The Mandalika General Manager I Made Pari Wijaya said several improvements had been prepared for the 2026 edition, covering both race and non-race aspects.

“There is something special this year. We are making improvements to both the race and non-race programs. The circuit is very different this year, the event will be different, and the atmosphere will also be very different,” he said.

The improvements include upgrades to the track as well as various supporting facilities and infrastructure across the area. The Mandalika site is also being developed with a stronger environmental focus through the planting of various types of vegetation and the expansion of green spaces.

Spectator accessibility is another priority, with improvements in the availability and quality of supporting transportation services, including shuttle buses designed to be more accessible to people with disabilities.

Meanwhile, Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA) representative Rully Habibie said MotoGP 2026 would be presented as more than a racing spectacle, with a range of experiences designed to be enjoyed by visitors beyond the circuit.

One of the highlights will be a Riders’ Parade through Mataram and toward the former Selaparang Airport area. The parade will feature several international riders alongside Indonesian racers, including Mario Aji and Veda Ega Pratama, who will represent the host country.

A series of side events will also be held around the Mandalika area, featuring performances by national and international musicians. The entertainment program is expected to give residents and tourists even more reasons to explore NTB during the MotoGP weekend.

Rully said organizers were also working to keep entertainment ticket prices affordable so that more members of the public could enjoy the wider MotoGP 2026 experience.

With preparations continuing to be strengthened, the Mandalika MotoGP is expected to be more than an international sporting event. As the world comes to Mandalika, NTB wants to showcase not only its circuit and racing spectacle, but also the warmth of its people, its rich culture, its tourism destinations and its ability to host a global event. (Red2)