The 2026 MotoGP Mandalika has set a new attendance record, drawing 157,875 spectators over three days of racing. The turnout marks the highest attendance in the history of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia at the Mandalika Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
The record reflects growing enthusiasm for MotoGP in Indonesia. According to data from Dorna, the event attracted 39,510 spectators before the main race weekend, followed by 53,296 on Saturday. Attendance peaked on Sunday, October 11, 2026, when 65,069 people came to the circuit, making it the busiest day of the event.
The overall figure also surpassed attendance records from previous editions. In 2025, the event welcomed 140,324 spectators. The total was lower in 2024, at 121,252, while the 2023 and 2022 editions recorded 102,929 and 102,801 spectators, respectively.
Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir welcomed the achievement after the race, praising the organizers for delivering an event that attracted such a large crowd.
“Amazing! Breaking the record, 157,000 spectators! Let’s give everyone a round of applause!” Erick said at the circuit’s paddock.
Beyond the record-breaking turnout, Erick highlighted the broader economic benefits that international sporting events can bring to their host regions. He pointed to remarks by NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal about the province’s declining poverty rate, which had fallen from 14% to 11%.
“And I think these events prove what? They help the regional economy,” Erick said.
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The strong attendance on race day also demonstrated the public’s enthusiasm for the competition. The atmosphere was further energized by the presence of Indonesian racing talents Veda Ega Pratama and Mario Aji, whose participation added to the excitement surrounding the event.
The championship battle between Marc Marquez and Jorge Martin also provided another reason for fans to follow the race. According to the standings cited in the report, Marquez led the 2026 world championship with 343 points, while Martin had 339 points, leaving him five points behind in the title fight.
Erick also linked the event’s success to improvements in the economic conditions of communities around the Mandalika area. He said the local government and residents had welcomed this year’s event enthusiastically, while poverty in the surrounding area had declined by nearly three percentage points.
“NTB Governor Pak Lalu Muhamad Iqbal and the local community have also welcomed the success of this year’s event with great enthusiasm,” said Erick, the former Minister of State-Owned Enterprises.
The government is also optimistic about the economic impact generated by the 2026 MotoGP Mandalika. Erick expressed confidence that the event would exceed its target of generating Rp5 trillion in economic activity.
“I am confident that we will surpass the Rp5 trillion target. The governor is happy, the community is happy, and the poverty rate in the surrounding area has fallen by nearly 3%. Going forward, MotoGP must be even better,” he emphasized.
With attendance reaching a new high and expectations for its regional economic contribution remaining strong, the 2026 MotoGP Mandalika has reinforced its position as a major international sporting event for Indonesia. The government hopes future editions will build on this year’s results and deliver even greater benefits for local communities.
