The Mandalika, 17 September 2026 – As preparations for the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 enter their final phase, InJourney, together with PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), Mandalika Grand Prix Association (MGPA), the Provincial Government of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and relevant stakeholders, conducted a direct inspection of the readiness of the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit and The Mandalika on Thursday (17/9).
The inspection was conducted through a track inspection as part of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 Discussion Forum, which serves as a platform for coordination and consolidation of commitments among all stakeholders to support the readiness and smooth implementation of the event.
Previously, a Discussion Forum was also held to ensure that the readiness of all sectors was progressing in an integrated manner ahead of race week, covering aspects of the circuit and race operations, transportation and connectivity, security, healthcare, accommodation, tourism, and community involvement. The forum also provided an opportunity for each stakeholder to align progress, requirements, and follow-up actions according to their respective roles.
During the track inspection, participants of the Discussion Forum directly observed several ongoing works on the track and supporting racing facilities being completed in preparation for the homologation and implementation of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026. The FIM Grade A homologation is scheduled for 8 October 2026.
The Governor of West Nusa Tenggara, Lalu Muhamad Iqbal, emphasized the commitment of the NTB Provincial Government to work together with all stakeholders to ensure the readiness of the event while expanding the benefits of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 for the community.
"Our target is not only to ensure that the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 runs safely and smoothly, but also to make this year's event better and generate greater impact for the people of NTB. Therefore, all elements must work together, starting from infrastructure readiness, transportation, security, and tourism, to increasing the involvement of local communities, volunteers, MSMEs, and regional talents," said iqbal.
InJourney President Director, Maya Watono, said that “the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia is not merely an international sporting event, but also a catalyst for the growth of Indonesian tourism. When we lose a global-scale event, we risk losing the momentum for tourism growth, regional economic development, foreign exchange earnings, as well as Indonesia’s nation branding. Therefore, we are ensuring that the sustainability and quality of this event are a shared priority,” Maya explained.
Maya also explained that various improvements continue to be made to develop tourism at The Mandalika. However, this cannot be done alone. “Concerted efforts and a spirit of mutual cooperation are needed from all stakeholders, both at the regional and national levels, ministries/agencies, and industry players,” Maya added.
Maya stated that various issues had also been discussed and addressed collaboratively during today’s forum, including efforts to improve connectivity, accommodation readiness, and employment absorption.
“In today’s discussion, we identified various issues and sought solutions together, including connectivity. During the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 race event period, we recorded an additional 66 flights to and from NTB, almost all of which are wide-body aircraft,” she added.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia also serves as a platform for bringing Indonesian talents to the global stage. This year, two Indonesians will compete in the event, demonstrating how an international event ecosystem can nurture Indonesia’s emerging talents.
“We remain committed to increasing the capacity of the local workforce, such as marshals from NTB who have had the opportunity to work in Malaysia, Japan, and Australia. This is the legacy we want to continue building to realize Mandalika Mendunia, foster continued tourism growth, and enable more generations of young Indonesians to create and pursue opportunities on the global stage,” said Maya.
Chairman of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 and ITDC Director of Operations, Troy Warokka, said that the period leading up to the event is crucial to ensuring that all workstreams move in the same direction and that every requirement is completed according to target.
“We have entered the execution phase. We are not only assessing readiness through reports, but also directly verifying conditions in the field. Every workstream must operate according to a single timeline, every outstanding requirement must be completed immediately, and every issue must have a clear PIC and completion target. Our standard is not merely to hold the event, but to deliver an event that is safe, smooth, high-quality, and provides the best experience for all parties,” said Troy.
Circuit and race operation readliness towards homologation.
From the circuit perspective, readiness continues to progress toward FIM Grade A homologation. Civil works have reached 90%, backbone works 80%, track painting 60%, and race electronics 60%. Meanwhile, several works, including electrical systems, fire protection, circuit storage, and common garages, have reached 100% completion.
In addition to the physical condition of the track, race electronics readiness is also being strengthened through the enhancement of several supporting race operation systems, including the light system, lap counter, digital flag controller, video matrix wall, track CCTV, and communication equipment.
MGPA President Director, Ananda Mikola, said that track readiness and all supporting race systems are priorities ahead of homologation and race week.
“Today’s track inspection is part of the track readiness assessment ahead of homologation. We are ensuring that track maintenance, safety facilities, race electronics, and all supporting systems continue to progress according to requirements. Our target is not only to ensure that the circuit is ready, but also that all race operations are fully prepared. Safety and compliance with event standards are our top priorities,” said Ananda.
In terms of race resources, 400 marshals have been prepared and will undergo training from 5–8 October 2026, consisting of two days of in-class training and two days of field training.
The movement of international logistics has also begun. Of the total 27 sea freight containers, 13 have arrived, while five air freight flights are scheduled to arrive on 5–6 October 2026. Crews, Dorna, and racers will begin arriving in early October.
Beyond race operations, event readiness also includes spectator mobility, security, and healthcare services. A total of 118 shuttle buses have been prepared for mobility within the area from 9–11 October 2026, in addition to 35 shuttle buses provided by the NTB Provincial Government to support transportation outside the area.
In terms of security, ITDC is preparing 170 security personnel and 550 crowd control personnel who will work in an integrated manner with relevant stakeholders. Medical readiness for both race and non-race operations includes medical personnel and equipment, a medical helicopter, referral services, and the requirements for a VIP Mini ICU.
Commitment to delivering a world-class experience.
The commitment to delivering a world-class tourism experience is also being strengthened through collaboration between InJourney, the NTB Provincial Government, ITDC, and tourism industry players. This collaboration is important to ensure that increased visitor numbers during the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 are matched by the readiness of the tourism ecosystem, including accommodation, connectivity, services, and various tourism experiences offered to visitors.
Chairwoman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) NTB, Ni Ketut Wolini, said that accommodation occupancy in NTB ahead of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 had approached 100% and was expected to continue increasing as the event draws closer.
“Occupancy rates ahead of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 have nearly reached 100% and will continue to increase as the event approaches. This demonstrates the high level of enthusiasm and demand for accommodation in NTB during the event period,” said Ni Ketut Wolini.
According to her, the high demand for accommodation presents an opportunity for tourism industry players to ensure service quality while providing the best possible experience for tourists visiting NTB.
The cross-stakeholder collaboration involving tourism industry players is expected to ensure that the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 goes beyond the experience at the circuit and also encourages tourists to explore various destinations, creative economy products, culinary offerings, and cultural experiences in NTB.
Community Involvement and public enthusiasm
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026, which will take place from 9–11 October, continues to expand community involvement. Approximately 3,000 local workers, including 2,200 volunteers, will be involved in organizing the event. In addition, 213 MSMEs have been recorded as participating, including those supported by the InJourney Group, Pertamina, the NTB Provincial Government, the Central Lombok Regency Government, as well as commercial MSMEs.
The series of events will also be strengthened by several side events, including the Watch Party on 4 October, the Riders Parade in Mataram, and the Opening Ceremony on 11 October, featuring local culture and talents.
Public enthusiasm continues to grow, with ticket sales having reached 53% of the total tickets available. Specifically for NTB ID card holders, 91% of the first-phase allocation of 2,900 tickets has been sold, while the second phase of NTB ID card ticket sales will open soon.
With approximately three weeks remaining until race week, cross-stakeholder coordination and direct field inspections are part of the efforts to ensure that all requirements are completed according to target. Readiness is being managed end-to-end to deliver a safe, smooth, and high-quality Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026, while providing the best possible experience for visitors and strengthening The Mandalika as an Indonesian tourism and sport tourism destination.