Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. There are at least 17,508 islands inhabited by 360 ethnic groups. These islands span from Sabang to Merauke and hold priceless domestic wealth. From the blue expanse of the sea to the towering mountains.

The numerous wealth assets in Indonesia have allowed the country to potentially attract tourists to visit. Ranging from local to foreign tourists who visit Indonesia every holiday season. The tourism sector itself is the third largest contributor to foreign exchange after the CPO and coal sectors.

Indonesia’s tourism sector is not inferior to those in the world. There are many famous tourist spots such as Nusa Penida (Bali), Way Kambas National Park (Lampung), Bunaken Marine Park (North Sulawesi), Raja Ampat (West Papua), and many more. Indonesia’s natural charm attracts tourists every year.

Indonesian tourism is not just an entertainment object. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno in the SPORTEL Rendez-vous Bali event revealed that Indonesia had enormous potential to host various international celebrations or events, one of which was sports tourism or could also be referred to as sports tourism.

Indonesia has many sport tourism events such as Tour de Singkarak, Tour de Banyuwangi Ijen, Borobudur Marathon, Belitong Geopark Ultra Run, Ironman Bintan, World Surf League, and World Superbike & MotoGP. One of the most honoured ones is the implementation of MotoGP at the Mandalika Circuit in March 2022.

MotoGP is the most awaited motorcycle race event for world racers. Not to mention that Indonesia is the host of a prestigious circuit, the Mandalika Circuit. This circuit is one of the world-class circuits with the most beautiful scenery. Mandalika Circuit is located in Mandalika Special Economic Zone (KEK Mandalika) in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

Mandalika is a tourist area with plenty of beautiful destinations in it. Starting from Merese Hill, it is the best place to enjoy sunset and sunrise views. There are also Sade and Ende Tourism Villages that will bring visitors closer to Lombok culture. Another one is Bukit Seger, Kuta Beach, Mandalika Beach, Tanjung Aan Beach, Seger Beach, and many more.

Indonesia was chosen to host the biggest motorcycle racing event in the world since many fans come from here. Moreover, the Mandalika area was chosen because the scenery presented was very beautiful and tropical along with a coastline and hills that lined up very naturally to create the feel of racing in the tropics.

This is certainly good news because Indonesia’s tourism potential is gaining attention from the world, especially for organizing sports tourism events. Demographically, Indonesia’s population is relatively high (280 million) and geographically it is also favourable for several types of events.

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno again stated that Indonesian tourism could be introduced to the whole world or internationally if the Indonesian state actively proposed to the relevant international event institutions to host world-class events. This method is considered good to promote Indonesian tourism abroad and has also been supported by unique and beautiful natural resources and good quality infrastructure and is able to support the experience of sports tourism in Indonesia, including golf, surfing, trail running, and many more.

The progress of the tourism sector certainly has a good impact, especially on the local economy. The tourism sector will contribute directly to the country’s foreign exchange and local government revenues. Considering that the tourism sector is increasingly promising, the government has been involved in building and promoting it internationally. It can be seen from the tagline “Visit Indonesia” which is also increasingly being intensified.

Contributor: Augustin Rina Herawati