Welcoming the Spirit of the Mandalika GP at Lombok Airport |
Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport in Lombok felt different that morning. Amidst the throngs of passengers, my attention was drawn to one special feature: a MotoGP racing motorcycle displayed majestically in the arrivals area.
Without hesitation, I took a photo with the motorcycle—a symbol of the passion for global motorsports now alive in Indonesia, specifically at Mandalika, which will take place on the first weekend of October 2025.
That simple photo turned out to be more than just a travel memory. It represented how the Mandalika GP is not just a racing event, but also a cultural and economic event that inspires national pride.
The presence of MotoGP motorcycles at the airport signified how Lombok has now become an important part of the global sporting calendar.
The Mandalika GP belongs not only to world-class racers, but also to the Indonesian people, who welcomed it with extraordinary enthusiasm. This event has had a domino effect on the tourism sector, the creative economy, and even Indonesia's image globally. The airport, hotels, and tourist destinations in Lombok are now filled with the color and spirit of MotoGP.
Seeing the bike up close, I felt the pulse of Mandalika—a blend of speed, hard work, and a spirit of development. For many, the Mandalika GP is a spectacle. But for Lombok and Indonesia, it is a source of pride, a collaboration between sport, tourism, and a grand vision to put Indonesia on the world map.
So, my photo at the airport wasn't just a selfie with a replica racing bike, but a symbol of my small participation in a grand euphoria: Mandalika, Indonesia's pride on the world circuit.[]
