Mandalika, todaysSpill.com
The excitement surrounding the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 is being felt beyond the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. One day ahead of race weekend, the energy of MotoGP™ reached the local community through the Riders Go to School program at SD Negeri 2 Kuta Mandalika, Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Thursday (October 8).
The event brought together five Moto2™ and Moto3™ riders—Mario Suryo Aji, Veda Ega Pratama, Manuel Gonzalez, Luca Lunetta, and David Almansa—who met with students, shared their experiences, and participated in various activities designed to bring the MotoGP™ experience closer to Mandalika’s younger generation in a meaningful and engaging way.
The initiative is part of SOLAH Mandalika—Sustainability Orientation With Local Hospitality of Mandalika—which promotes sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement as integral elements of international events held at The Mandalika. Through SOLAH, the MotoGP™ experience extends beyond the racetrack into local communities, creating broader experiences and benefits.
The riders’ arrival was welcomed with traditional artistic performances by the students. The display of local culture set the tone for an event that brought together world-class sporting energy and Mandalika’s rich cultural heritage.
Students then had the opportunity to interact directly with the riders during a sharing session. Mario Suryo Aji and Veda Ega Pratama shared stories about their journeys in the world of motorcycle racing, from training and overcoming challenges and competitive pressure to earning the opportunity to represent Indonesia on the international stage.
The students were encouraged to understand that achieving success does not happen overnight. Behind the riders’ speed on the track lies a long journey requiring discipline, hard work, courage, and consistency.
Troy Warokka, Chairman of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 and ITDC Director of Operations, said that bringing riders and students together was one way to ensure that the presence of MotoGP™ in Mandalika could be experienced more widely by the local community.
“We want children in Mandalika to do more than just watch the riders on the track. Today, they can meet them, talk, laugh, and learn directly from the racers they usually see competing. We hope this experience will inspire them to be brave enough to dream and believe that they, too, can reach the world stage,” Troy said.
From the Racetrack to the Classroom
The interaction between the riders and students continued with a helmet-painting activity. Eight selected students from Grades 3 to 6 were given the opportunity to express their creativity by decorating helmets alongside the riders.
The activity was more than just an opportunity to play and express themselves. Through the children’s creativity, the importance of environmental awareness was also introduced as part of SOLAH Mandalika’s “Greener Future Together” initiative.
The students then presented their creations to the riders and attending VIP guests. The moment was filled with excitement and provided a memorable opportunity for the local younger generation to connect directly with the racers.
The cultural significance promoted through SOLAH Mandalika was also reflected in the traditional artistic performances presented by the students. The inclusion of local culture in the MotoGP™ program demonstrated how Mandalika’s traditions can coexist with an international sporting event.
Meanwhile, the principles of diversity and inclusion were reflected in the participation of students, teachers, riders, and various stakeholders in an open and equal setting that encouraged interaction among all participants.
The event was further enlivened by an interactive quiz conducted in collaboration with the Traffic Directorate’s Security and Safety Unit of the NTB Regional Police (Ditlantas Polda NTB). Through a fun and engaging approach, students learned about the importance of road safety and the need to understand traffic rules from an early age.
Through these activities, students not only had the opportunity to meet racers they had previously watched on screen but also gained valuable lessons in safety, discipline, creativity, sportsmanship, and environmental awareness.
Bringing MotoGP™ Closer to the Community
Lalu Satriadi, Principal of SDN 2 Kuta Mandalika, expressed his pride in having his school included in the series of events surrounding the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026.
“Their visit inspires both our students and teachers, showing us that reaching the world-class level requires hard work and a high level of dedication,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Moto3™ rider Veda Ega Pratama said he was delighted to return to Lombok and share his experiences with the younger generation.
“I’m happy to share my experiences with the younger students here. I hope they will become more courageous in dreaming big and continue working hard to achieve their dreams,” Veda said.
The program continued with the handover of donations from InJourney and InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to SDN 2 Kuta Mandalika as a demonstration of support for the educational environment surrounding The Mandalika area.
The SOLAH Mandalika program will continue on Friday (October 9) with Students Go to Paddock, involving 50 students and 10 teachers from various schools across Lombok Island. The program will give participants the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of race weekend up close, explore activities in the paddock area, and gain firsthand insight into the organization of a world-class motorcycle racing event in Mandalika.
Through these initiatives, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 demonstrates that the spirit of MotoGP™ extends beyond the racetrack. Through SOLAH Mandalika, it also reaches local communities, bringing inspiration, local culture, and positive energy to Mandalika’s younger generation. TS-01
