Antigen tests not required to attend Mandalika MotoGP race this weekend (if you’re vaccinated, that is)

Gentlemen, start your engine, for the long-awaited and highly anticipated Mandalika MotoGP grand prix is just around the corner. 

Even better news for the COVID-19 test-averse: officials have confirmed that if you are vaccinated, there is no need to show either negative PCR or antigen results. 

Yay, right?

The event is set to take place on March 18-20 (this weekend) at Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The Mandalika MotoGP grand prix marks the return of the premier class of motorcycle road racing being contested in Indonesia after 25 years. 

Director General of Regional Administration at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Syafrizal, said in a statement that all racers, crew members, officials, and spectators who are fully vaccinated are not required to show any COVID-19 test results.

“The total number of spectators allowed [at the venue] is 60,000 at the most. For festival class, it is 10 percent of the maximum number of spectators,” he said.

Mandalika MotoGP race protocols are part of the latest version of the Enforcement of Restrictions on Public Activities (PPKM) protocol.

Those who arrive from outside Lombok to watch the race (for example Bali, which recently reopened for direct international flights and is just a hop away from Lombok) are also not obligated to show negative antigen results as long as they are double vaccinated.

“The MotoGP event is expected to boost local and regional economy through a multiplier effect [that also involves] local UMKM [small and medium enterprises],” said Safrizal.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is scheduled to attend the race on March 20. The event is touted by some as part of the president’s ambition to develop tourism hotspots outside Bali – including in Lombok, its neighboring island. 

Coincidentally, Bali, Indonesia’s main tourism destination that has been devastated by the pandemic, has been receiving an increasing number of direct flights since the island’s gradual international travel reopening since October last year.