en.Sketsamalang.com – Along the southern coast of Lombok, the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit once again took center stage in international motorcycle racing as the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia ran from 9 to 11 October. The event marked the fifth consecutive year that Mandalika has hosted a round of the MotoGP World Championship, combining major sporting achievements with renewed attention on the region’s tourism potential.
A total of 157,875 spectators attended across the three-day weekend, setting a new attendance record for the circuit since it joined the MotoGP calendar in 2022. Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir welcomed the milestone after the main race on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
“Extraordinary! Breaking record, 157 thousand spectators! A round of applause for everyone,” he said as cited by ANTARA News.
Figures from Dorna showed attendance rising from 39,510 on Friday to 53,296 on Saturday before reaching 65,069 on race day.
On the track, Marco Bezzecchi of Aprilia Racing claimed the MotoGP Grand Prix victory. Aprilia secured all four leading positions, with Raúl Fernández finishing second, Jorge Martín third and Ai Ogura fourth. The weekend also saw Maximo Quiles clinch the Moto3 world championship with a victory at Mandalika, securing the title with five rounds remaining. Separately, the circuit received Grade A homologation from the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) for the 2026 season, confirming its compliance with the federation’s standards for hosting world championship events.
Long-Term Commitment and Economic Impact
Beyond the racing results, officials and organizers highlighted the event’s role in developing Mandalika as a sports tourism destination. During a press conference at the circuit on Friday, 9 October, Dorna Sports Deputy CEO Carlos Ezpeleta outlined the organization’s long-term plans for Indonesia.
“We have a 5 plus 5 year agreement with the Indonesian government, and we plan to remain here at least until 2031,” Ezpeleta stated as reported by Detik Bali.
InJourney, Indonesia’s state-owned aviation and tourism holding company, also emphasized the event’s wider ambitions.
President Director Maya Watono said:
“MotoGP Mandalika is not merely three days of racing. What we are building is a legacy for Indonesia. This event serves as a catalyst to develop the destination, strengthen connectivity, drive the local economy, and bring both Indonesia and Mandalika onto the global stage,” Watono said in an official statement, ANTARA News reported.
InJourney projected that the 2026 event could generate an economic impact of nearly Rp5 trillion. The anticipated benefits included spending on accommodation, transport, food services and other tourism-related activities. Around 3,000 local workers and approximately 600 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises were reported to be involved in the event’s wider economic ecosystem.
Hotel occupancy in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone reached 100 percent during the race period, according to the local hotel and restaurant association. Occupancy in Mataram and Senggigi, in neighboring areas of Lombok, also reached approximately 80 to 90 percent. Meanwhile, additional flights were arranged to accommodate increased travel demand.
MotoGP’s international profile offers Indonesia another platform to promote its tourism destinations. The championship reported a global fanbase of 632 million in 2025, alongside a growing international audience for its races. With record attendance at Mandalika and a stated commitment to continue hosting the Indonesian Grand Prix through at least 2031, the event remains an important part of the country’s efforts to develop sports tourism and generate economic activity in West Nusa Tenggara.