Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has issued 1,351 visas to support the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, also known as the Mandalika MotoGP, held from 9 to 11 October at the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
The Ministry of Immigration and Correctional Affairs has also deployed an additional 50 personnel to airports, the circuit and surrounding areas to strengthen immigration services and oversight during the international motorcycle racing event.
Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko visited the circuit to ensure that immigration services operated effectively throughout the event, supporting riders, their teams and international visitors.
“We are ensuring that visa services and immigration processes run smoothly so that they feel safe and comfortable, and have a positive experience while in Indonesia,” Hendarsam said, as quoted by Antara.
He added that the services were intended not only for riders and their teams but also for international tourists travelling to watch the race.
Immigration Services Aim to Support Tourism
Hendarsam said that immigration services could influence visitors’ first impressions of Indonesia. The authorities are therefore seeking to provide professional and welcoming services while maintaining effective oversight of foreign nationals.
He also expressed hope that the services provided during the event would contribute to the local economy by supporting international travel and tourism.
“Through optimal immigration services, we want to ensure that Indonesia not only succeeds as a host for a global sporting event but also leverages this momentum to create broader economic opportunities for the local community,” he said.
The InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) set a target of attracting 145,000 spectators, including domestic and international visitors, to this year’s Mandalika MotoGP.
To accommodate increased passenger movements during the race weekend, InJourney Airports arranged 66 non-scheduled flights to and from Lombok. The additional flights were intended to support travel demand associated with the event.
The immigration deployment formed part of broader efforts to facilitate the arrival and movement of international visitors during the three-day race.
Immigration Role Extends to National Development
Hendarsam said the Directorate General of Immigration’s responsibilities extend beyond processing travel documents and monitoring foreign nationals. Under Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration, the authority also has a role in facilitating public welfare.
According to Hendarsam, this function includes supporting international mobility and national development by facilitating activities that bring visitors and economic opportunities to Indonesia, including international sporting events such as the Mandalika MotoGP.
“Meanwhile, the Immigration office will continue to strengthen both its services and oversight to facilitate international mobility, encompassing sports events, tourism, and various other international agendas,” he said.
He also emphasised the importance of professional immigration services in strengthening Indonesia’s image internationally.
“We want to demonstrate that Indonesian Immigration is prepared to support the hosting of world-class events, not only by issuing visas, but also by providing services that offer certainty, comfort, and a sense of security,” he said.
The authorities are expected to continue balancing efficient immigration procedures with oversight as Indonesia hosts international visitors for sporting events, tourism and other activities.
