Watching MotoGP Comes With Cultural Bonus: From Ancient Statues to Exotic NTB Fabrics

The 2025 MotoGP Mandalika world motorcycle racing event isn't just about engine roars and the speed duel of world-class racers. The cultural exhibition held by the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) State Museum at the Mandalika Experience Gallery, Central Lombok, adds a distinct touch, making the atmosphere of the Mandalika Circuit truly ignite. 

The Head of the NTB Museum, Ahmad Nuralam, explained that this participation isn't merely an exhibition, but a way to introduce the cultural heritage, history, and civilization of the Lombok-Sumbawa people to the thousands of spectators coming from all corners of the world.

"The presence of the Lombok Sumbawa Museum of Civilization at MotoGP Mandalika is an effort to bring together sport tourism with cultural tourism," he said on Thursday, October 2, 2025.

Inside the exhibition space, visitors can find the historical manuscript Babad Lombok which records the story of the powerful eruption of Mount Samalas, the Siwa Mahadewa statue, to legendary scale models of Mount Rinjani and Mount Tambora. 

Not to be missed, traditional textiles from Sumbawa and Bima, paintings, and handicrafts also showcase the beauty of authentic local culture.

This exhibition, running from October 2-5, 2025, serves as a reminder that Lombok and Sumbawa offer not only beach and mountain panoramas, but also cultural riches worthy of appreciation. 

"Sports tourism must not stand alone. It must be supported by the richness of local culture so that tourists don't just come to watch the race, but also experience authentically who we are, and what our traditions are," added Nuralam.

Through this initiative, the NTB Museum wants to make MotoGP a grand stage to connect the past, present, and future of NTB. 

"We hope this can connect the past, present, and future of West Nusa Tenggara in the context of sustainable tourism," he concluded.

Thus, MotoGP Mandalika is not just a speed fest, but also a cultural celebration that makes the tourism experience in NTB more complete and memorable.