The Mandalika, todaysSpill.com
Behind the roar of engines and the fierce competition among riders at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026, thousands of personnel are working to ensure that every aspect of this internationally renowned event runs smoothly. From welcoming spectators and directing visitors to providing information and carrying out track safety duties, human resource readiness plays a vital role in delivering the MotoGP™ experience at The Mandalika.
As race weekend approaches on October 9–11, 2026, a total of 946 frontliners and support personnel are ready to perform their duties after completing the hospitality training program entitled “Perfecting The Brilliant Basic with Indonesian Hospitality.” Meanwhile, all 400 marshals, representing 100% of the marshal workforce, are from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) and have completed the MotoGP 2026 Marshal Training program.
Both groups are integral parts of the people ecosystem behind the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026. Although they have different responsibilities, they share the same goal: ensuring that this international event meets high standards of service, preparedness, coordination, and safety.
946 Personnel Prepared to Deliver Indonesian Hospitality
Frontliners and support personnel include Crowd Control, Ushers/Liaison Officers (LO), Merchandise, Customer Experience (CX) and Ask Me Agents, MSME representatives, as well as Ticketing and Ground Handling personnel. Those who interact directly with spectators participated in hospitality training held at The Mandalika from October 4–6, 2026.
The training was conducted in eight batches using an approach that combined instructional materials with simulations, role-playing, discussions, and evaluations. Topics covered included Delighting Customer Journey, Communication Skills, and Hospitality Standards, including grooming, greetings, announcements, listening skills, and complaint handling.
Troy Warokka, Chairman of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 and ITDC Director of Operations, said that the quality of an international event is determined not only by what happens on the track but also by the experience spectators enjoy throughout their time at the venue.
“MotoGP is not just about what happens on the track. From the moment spectators enter the venue, every interaction becomes part of their experience. The way they are welcomed, provided with information, directed, or assisted when facing difficulties all contribute to their impression of Mandalika. That is why we want to ensure that our frontline personnel are well prepared and uphold consistent service standards,” Troy said.
Through the hospitality training program, personnel were equipped with the understanding that service excellence involves more than speed and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs). It also requires the ability to understand customers’ needs and expectations.
400 Marshals, 100% from West Nusa Tenggara
On the track, the involvement of local human resources is equally important. All 400 marshals assigned to the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 come from NTB. The breakdown comprises 303 from Central Lombok, 51 from Mataram, 22 from West Lombok, 18 from East Lombok, three from Dompu, and one each from Bima Regency, North Lombok, and Sumbawa.
The marshals have completed a comprehensive training program, ranging from classroom briefings to practical field exercises. Topics included pre-event preparations, the use and inspection of equipment, communication, response priorities, teamwork, marshal safety, and the structure and allocation of duties on the track, including coordination between marshal posts and Race Control.
The training also incorporated various track incident simulations, including single crashes, multiple crashes involving three motorcycles, and red-flag scenarios. Through these simulations, marshals were trained to understand the sequence of responses required when an incident occurs, from ensuring rider safety and assessing track and motorcycle conditions to managing the incident and removing motorcycles from the affected area.
Troy said that the participation of marshals who are 100% from NTB demonstrates how international events at The Mandalika provide opportunities for local talent to take on roles involving significant responsibility.
“The involvement of 400 marshals, all of whom come from NTB, is an important part of organizing the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026. They are not merely part of the event’s operational workforce; they also perform essential trackside duties that demand preparedness, coordination, discipline, and a strong understanding of safety,” Troy said.
Beyond technical aspects, the training program also covered post allocation, firefighter training, team building, field training, deployment to posts, and equipment distribution. All these stages are designed to ensure that every marshal understands their position, responsibilities, equipment, and coordination procedures before carrying out their duties during race weekend.
The People Behind the Experience
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 experience is made possible by many people working behind the scenes, from frontliners who interact directly with spectators to marshals who support safety on the track.
“We want the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia to deliver not only world-class racing but also provide opportunities for local talent to take on meaningful roles and develop their capabilities. We want this racing event to serve as a showcase for Indonesian Hospitality and the strength of local human resources in West Nusa Tenggara. From hospitality services to track safety, they are an essential part of the spectator experience and the success of the event,” Troy concluded. TS-01
