The Mandalika, todaysSpill.com
Two of Indonesia’s proudest motorcycle racing talents, Mario Suryo Aji and Veda Ega Pratama, are once again competing in front of their home crowd as the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 takes place at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, from October 9–11, 2026.
Mario’s participation in the Moto2™ class and Veda’s in Moto3™ represents the culmination of long journeys that began when they were very young. Before reaching the world racing stage, both riders went through years of training while still in school, competing in races, sacrificing time with their families, and overcoming injuries and various other career challenges.
Their journeys are about more than speed on the track. They are stories of courage and perseverance in the face of limitations and adversity. Behind their helmets and racing suits are childhood dreams, unwavering family support, and a determination to make Indonesia increasingly recognized around the world. This spirit makes Mario and Veda part of the Indonesian Heroes movement—figures who inspire younger generations to dream boldly and work hard to make those dreams come true.
Mario’s passion for racing began in childhood. His after-school routine was different from that of most children his age. While his friends went home by public transportation, Mario would run as part of a physical training program prepared by his father.
“From first grade through sixth grade, I trained frequently. Whenever my father picked me up, he had already prepared my running clothes. So after school, while everyone else took public transportation home, I ran,” Mario recalled.
For Mario, motorcycles have always been something precious. However, his parents maintained strict boundaries when it came to riding. He was not allowed to ride a motorcycle on public roads, even when the destination was only about 200 meters from home.
“I was once reprimanded for riding on a public road. Even after I got my driving license, I was never allowed to ride on public roads. Even going just 200 meters to Indomaret, it was difficult to get permission to ride a motorcycle. But on the circuit, I was free to ride,” he said.
That journey eventually led Mario to the Moto2™ World Championship. Despite becoming a professional racer, he says he still views racing as something he genuinely loves and enjoys.
“To this day, I still see racing as a hobby, although I take it more seriously now. If we consider racing a job, it can become a burden. And when it becomes a burden, we might not perform well. Even now, I still consider it a hobby,” Mario said.
Meanwhile, Veda Ega Pratama’s journey began in motocross. The rider from Gunungkidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta, still remembers the first motorcycle his father gave him as one of his most cherished childhood memories.
From around the age of seven, Veda competed in various national motocross championships. He later switched to national road racing in 2018 and began competing at the Asian level in 2021.
Training also became an integral part of Veda’s life during his school years. After school, he would often travel straight to Yogyakarta to practice motocross. When he transitioned to road racing, he continued training several times a week.
“My parents have always supported me,” Veda said. Their support has been one of the key factors in his journey to the Moto3™ World Championship, where he has emerged as one of Indonesia’s young talents competing at the international level.
Overcoming Injuries and Doubts
The journey to the world racing stage has not been without challenges. Mario acknowledged that recurring injuries have been among the most difficult phases of his career.
“Almost every year, I get injured,” Mario said.
During these difficult periods, he admitted that he sometimes questioned whether he could still achieve his goals in racing. He usually prefers to reflect on the situation himself before discussing it with his family or other people.
“During the first few days after a tough day, I tend to reflect on things by myself. Once I have a clear understanding of what happened and what needs to be improved, then I talk to other people,” he explained.
Veda has also experienced moments that made him question whether he could continue his racing career.
In 2020, after being selected through a competitive process to advance to the next level of racing, the COVID-19 pandemic brought his plans to a halt. During the same period, Veda suffered a fractured femur.
Approximately four months later, he sustained another injury, breaking his shinbone.
“At that point, I started thinking that I might not be able to race anymore,” he recalled.
When racing competitions resumed, Veda managed to recover and continue his career, eventually reaching the Moto3™ World Championship. Nevertheless, he admitted that he still occasionally wonders whether he can achieve his ultimate goal.
“Of course, those questions are still there, and even now I still ask myself whether I can do it,” Veda said.
“That is my dream. So I will do my very best, and if I can achieve it, alhamdulillah,” he added.
Mario and Veda’s journeys demonstrate that being an Indonesian Hero is not simply about standing on the podium or winning races. The long process, moments of doubt, and determination to bounce back have all helped shape them into riders capable of competing at the highest level.
The Sacrifices Behind a Racing Career
A career as a professional motorcycle racer requires Mario and Veda to sacrifice considerable time with their families.
Mario said that much of his time since childhood has been devoted to training and competitions. As a result, he has missed many family moments, including religious holiday celebrations.
“Since childhood, I have spent so much time training and have been away from home. Whenever there is a family occasion, a gathering, Eid celebrations, and so on, I have missed them. This is already my fifth year without going home,” Mario said.
Beyond his family, he also misses his friends, the atmosphere of Indonesia, and the feeling of racing at home when competing overseas.
Veda has experienced similar sacrifices. His demanding schedule as a racer means he cannot experience school life and his youth in the same way as most people his age.
“I cannot live like other students or young people. We rarely attend school in person and do much more online learning. We miss out on the childhood experiences that other kids usually have, such as meeting friends and spending time together,” Veda said.
According to Veda, his family, friends in Indonesia, and Indonesian food are the things he misses most when he is away from home.
“What I miss most is the food, my family, and the friends I usually train with in Indonesia. Even though I have friends here too, it feels different. Life in Indonesia is different from life abroad,” he said.
These sacrifices are an integral part of the stories behind both riders’ journeys. Amid international competition schedules and the constant pressure to improve their performance, their families and homeland remain important sources of motivation.
Indonesian Heroes: Indonesia’s Pride in Mandalika
Mario and Veda’s presence at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 means more than simply participating in a world championship. Both represent the spirit of Indonesian Heroes—young Indonesians who dare to dream big, overcome challenges, and strive to carry their country’s name onto the international stage.
Through the spirit of The Rise of Local Heroes and #IndonesiaMendunia Bersama Pertamina, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 provides an opportunity for the public to show meaningful support for Indonesian riders competing at the highest level of international racing.
That support is not only about race results but also about recognizing the process, dedication, and long struggle that have brought them to where they are today.
Competing in front of their home crowd at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit gives Indonesians the opportunity to witness Mario Suryo Aji in the Moto2™ class and Veda Ega Pratama in the Moto3™ class firsthand. The cheers and encouragement of their fellow Indonesians are expected to provide additional motivation as they face the intense competition on the track.
The presence of these two Indonesian Heroes also reinforces Mandalika’s role within Indonesia’s motorsport ecosystem and as a destination for international sporting events. More importantly, their journeys serve as a reminder that world-class achievements are built through a long process of discipline, courage, and the determination to keep getting back up after setbacks.
From training after school to competing on the world championship stage, Mario and Veda have demonstrated that big dreams require years of dedication and hard work. Now, at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, their journeys continue as they proudly carry Indonesia’s name.
They are more than two riders competing in a race. They are Indonesian Heroes who inspire the public to believe that Indonesian talent can compete and achieve success on the world stage.
In Mandalika, that spirit finds its stage—a place where perseverance meets support, and Indonesian pride moves forward alongside its heroes. TS-01
