TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Chairman of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI) Bambang Soesatyo, or who is familiarly known as Bamsoet, said that IMI is now lobbying to hold Formula 1 in Indonesia.
In preparation, the government is constructing a Formula 1 circuit in Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), North Jakarta, and Bintan, Riau Islands. Indonesia, according to Bamsoet, Indonesia is likely to host F1 in 2025.
“The president (Joko Widodo/Jokowi) also encouraged us to immediately do the lobbying so that we could hold F1 in Indonesia. Initial talks are still tough, it is still possible for 2025, but we are still lobbying and negotiating so that it can (be implemented) in 2024,” he said, quoted by Tempo.co from Antara.
He further explained that Indonesia is becoming more mature to host a world racing championship. This, he added, can be seen from the success of the Mandalika WSBK, Mandalika MotoGP, and Formula E Jakarta events.
“This is like the President, where he also has a strong determination that Indonesia can host a world racing championship, both two-wheeled and four-wheeled, and both on asphalt and on the ground,” explained Bamsoet.
He considered that 2023 was the right year for Indonesia to show its readiness to hold an automotive championship. Given that this country will hold a number of world racing championships.
Apart from MotoGP, WSBK and Formula E, Indonesia this year will also present F1 Powerboat, MCGP Samota, Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) 2023 on Lake Toba, and the World Rally Championship.
“We have a strong desire that this year the APRC in Medan will be successful and encourage the World Rally Championship to be held in Indonesia. This has been matured,” said Bamsoet.
Apart from that, Bamsoet also considers that national and international motor sports events need to be supported by tourism and added value around it (sportourism). This is considered to be able to advance the local economy.
“For example with the construction of the Mandalika Circuit. Apart from being a place (for world racing championship), this circuit is also becoming an effort to develop the local tourism economy in West Nusa Tenggara,” he said.
Source: tempo
