Mandalika Kartini Race 2026: New Strategy to Promote Indonesian Tourism Through Motorsport

Amid the thriving automotive sports scene in Indonesia, the Mandalika Kartini Race 2026 emerges as more than just a racing event. Positioned as a milestone in national Motorsport development, it combines competition, history, and the spirit of change.

Held at Pertamina Mandalika Circuit from May 1-3, this event forms part of the 2026 Festival of Speed which also features the world-class GT World Challenge Asia championship. This combination establishes Mandalika as a regional motorsport hub.

MGPA CEO Priandi Satria emphasized the event's broader significance.

"This event marks a crucial chapter in national motorsport development," stated Priandi Satria in Central Lombok on Wednesday.

Mandalika Kartini Race 2026 is an all-female racing championship – a rare concept in Indonesian motorsport. Its presence not only fills the racing calendar but also delivers a powerful message about equality.

The event draws primary inspiration from the spirit of Raden Ajeng Kartini, Indonesia's women's emancipation icon. Her struggle is translated onto the racetrack, creating a new symbol for women in automotive.

"We present this event as fresh momentum to commemorate Kartini Day and International Women's Day," he explained.

Furthermore, the event is expected to symbolize the rise of Indonesian women's role in motorsport.

Not merely as participants, but as key players in a racing ecosystem historically dominated by men.

"This race specifically features female racers as part of the Mandalika Festival of Speed (MFoS) alongside the international GT World Challenge Asia," he added.

By blending sports, emancipation, and Tourism Promotion, Mandalika Kartini Race becomes part of a larger narrative about progress and inclusivity.

"This event isn't merely complementary; it holds strategic significance in advancing gender equality in automotive," he affirmed.

As circuit managers, MGPA views this event as a long-term investment in national motorsport's future – not just creating competition but opening development pathways for new talents.

"We see tremendous potential among Indonesian female racers, both experienced veterans and young generations," he noted.

Aligning with the Indonesian Motor Association's Women in Motorsport program, this event aims to become a collaborative platform that inspires more female racers capable of competing nationally and internationally.

Concurrently, Mandalika Kartini Race serves Tourism Promotion goals. Branding on race vehicles becomes a creative medium to introduce Indonesian Destinations globally.

"Simultaneously, we aim to showcase various Indonesian Tourism Destinations through vehicle branding," he concluded.