President Jokowi Releases Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia Racers Parade

Jakarta, March 16, 2022 – President Joko Widodo, accompanied by the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir, and President Director of PT Pertamina (Persero), Nicke Widyawati, released 20 Moto GP racers at the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia: Energy to Speed Up Parade, who did a convoy from the State Palace to Bundaran HI, Jakarta (16/3).

Vice President Corporate Communication of PT Pertamina (Persero) Fajriyah Usman explained that this activity was an initial series to enliven the "Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia - MotoGP Mandalika 2022," which will be held at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit on 18-20 March 2022.

"This parade is the world racers' form of respect and appreciation to the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo and also all Indonesian people, which was attended by 20 riders, including world champion racers such as Marc Marques and Pol Espargaro, Pertamina Mandalika SAG Team racers, Bo Bendsneyder and Gabriel Rodrigo, as well as the Indonesian racer Veda Ega Pratama," explained Fajriyah

CEO of Dorna Sports Carlos Ezpeleta expressed his appreciation to the Indonesian people, especially for the acceptance of MotoGP at the State Palace directly by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. "President Joko Widodo is a big fan of MotoGP, and he has cycled around the circuit many times on his motorbike. So I think it is a great joy for the President and the riders and a great honor. We are very grateful to Indonesia," said Carlos.

Carlos further thanked Pertamina as the sponsor of MotoGP in Indonesia. And the efforts of many parties, including the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo and the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, so that MotoGP can return to Indonesia.

"I think all Indonesians are the hosts of MotoGP after a long time. And this (event) is the best way to make everyone aware that MotoGP has returned to Indonesia," said Carlos.

Regarding Pertamina's presence at the 2022 MotoGP in Indonesia, Fajriyah explained that this is Pertamina's effort to support Nation Branding, which is prideful not only for Pertamina but also to all Indonesian people because, after 25 years, MotoGP is finally being held in Indonesia. It shows the world that Indonesia is a country with resilience.

"We can quickly rise from the pandemic, and this international motorsport event in Mandalika is proof of that. And this is an opportunity for Pertamina and MSME products around Mandalika to go global and get international exposure," said Fajriyah.**