The Mandalika, September 17, 2026 - The local wisdom of the Sasak community is becoming an integral part of the preparations for the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026. PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero), or InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), held Betabeq as a gathering to seek permission and blessings, while strengthening community support and collaboration to ensure the success of the world-class motorcycle racing event, which will take place from October 9–11, 2026, at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit, The Mandalika.
The event, held at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit on Wednesday (September 16), highlighted values that represent respect within Sasak traditions. Through this approach, preparations for the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 are being developed not only through technical and operational readiness, but also through social preparedness and community involvement as hosts of the event.
The Betabeq ceremony was attended by 200 invited guests, including representatives from the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Government, the Central Lombok Regency Government, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri), the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), sub-district heads, village heads, community organizations, community leaders, and healthcare facilities.
NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal stated that the successful organization of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 requires community involvement as an important part of the event ecosystem. The presence of an international event in NTB, he added, also provides an opportunity to showcase the character of the local community and the region’s rich cultural heritage to the world.
“Betabeq is a Sasak tradition that carries important meaning as a form of respect for the earth and water, as well as a way of seeking permission and blessings from nature and the environment where the activity takes place. This tradition should continue to be preserved, particularly in every major event held in The Mandalika area. Beyond preserving cultural values, Betabeq also conveys a message about the community’s role as hosts in working together to ensure that every event is conducted safely, orderly, and smoothly,” said Governor Iqbal.
Chairman of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia and ITDC Director of Operations, Troy Warokka, said that the readiness to host an international event is determined not only by the readiness of the circuit and operational aspects, but also by strong community support and collaboration.
“There is an aspect that is equally important as the operational readiness of the circuit ahead of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, namely ensuring that the local community, as the host, is also part of the event journey. This is an important element of Indonesia’s country branding. Therefore, the success of this event requires collaboration among all stakeholders. We want every guest and spectator who comes to experience the values of Sapta Pesona and take home lasting memories,” said Troy.
According to Troy, Betabeq also reflects the character of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia in The Mandalika, where an international-standard event comes together with the local values and identity of the people of NTB.
“When the world comes to NTB, we have an opportunity to showcase not only the quality of event management, but also the region’s hospitality, sense of togetherness, and cultural richness. We invite the entire community to work together in maintaining a safe, comfortable, and conducive atmosphere so that the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 provides the best experience for everyone attending The Mandalika,” Troy continued.
Through Betabeq, ITDC promotes three main approaches: Inform, Engange, and Prepare. inform is carried out through socialization and communication regarding the organization of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 to stakeholders; Engage focuses on strengthening cross-stakeholder collaboration and support through the cultural approach of Betabeq; while prepare aims to enhance the readiness of the NTB community as hosts who provide a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
The collaboration extends across various segments of society at the local level, including 20 village heads across Pujut Sub-district and 12 sub-district heads throughout Central Lombok, as well as various community organizations. The involvement of these diverse stakeholder's forms part of the effort to foster a spirit of mutual cooperation and a sense of ownership toward the organization of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026.
The Betabeq series also featured elements of culture and togetherness through the performance of the Duking Kune traditional song, communal prayers, the Motong Seong ceremony, tumpeng cutting,and a gathering between the organizers and stakeholders.
Through collaboration among the government, event organizers, security forces, community leaders, and various elements of society, ITDC hopes that the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 will not only succeed as an international sporting event,but also serve as a momentum to further strengthen community involvement while introducing the identity and local wisdom of NTB to the world.