VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Indonesia is ensuring its readiness for the "World Superbike" (WSBK) motorcycle race at the Mandalika Circuit, Central Lombok District, West Nusa Tenggara Province, both in terms of infrastructure, accommodation, health, and security, an official has said.

The event will be held from November 19 to 21, 2021.

"All parties from ministries and institutions are continuously coordinating to make this motorcycle racing event a success (so it) shows excellent results," Secretary General of the Transportation Ministry Djoko Sasono said here on Friday.

He made the statement after observing a Tactical Floor Game (TFG) simulation of traffic management and engineering, conducted as part of preparations for the WSBK.

Sasono said that the Indonesian government is taking the preparations for the WSBK seriously because, in addition to garnering the interest of international tourists, it could also impact how the world views Indonesia, especially its ability to organize international events in the midst of a pandemic.

He assured that all infrastructure preparations, ranging from airports, seaports, roads, land transportation, to accommodation were currently being refined. When the time comes, they will be ready for use, he remarked.

"We from the Transportation Ministry, together with other ministries and institutions, continue to coordinate to resolve various deficiencies that may still exist," he added.

Meanwhile, Deputy for Tourism and Creative Economy Coordination Odo RM Manuhutu at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, opined that the event would have a positive impact on tourism and also be a testament to Indonesia's readiness to organize grand, global-scale events.

"We want to prove that Indonesia is able to conduct big events in the midst of a pandemic, of course, by continuing to adhere to health protocols in a strict manner," Manuhutu remarked.

He revealed that the ministry has lauded the excellent coordination between ministries and institutions for the event. He said he is optimistic that the WSBK will run as expected.

Military Resort Commander (Danrem) 162/Wira Bakti, National Defense Force Brigadier General Ahmad Rizal R, said that in terms of security—particularly in ring I, ring II, and ring III—the national defense forces (land, sea and air) and police will prepare their troops to ensure the event runs smoothly.

"At least three thousand to five thousand personnel from the National Defense Force will be dispatched to guard this event, assisted by the police, which dispatched some 2,215 personnel," he informed. (Antaranews)