KOMPAS.com – The Mandalika project in Lombok, Indonesia is 32.50 percent complete as of mid-November 2020 though more is needed to prepare for its MotoGP 2021 debut.
State-owned enterprise PT PP (Persero) Tbk (PT PP) is responsible for the progress of the Mandalika circuit which is situated in the Mandalika Special Economic Zone.
Despite having reached a completion rate of less than 40 percent as of mid-November, the company asserts that the construction process is moving ahead far quicker than they planned.
“Even today, the company is pushing for road constructions at the Mandalika Special Economic Zone which will be used as part of the MotoGP circuit during which Indonesia will be the host of the 2021 event,” said PT PP CEO Novel Arsyad.
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Novel is confident that the Mandalika circuit construction will deliver high-quality results and in accordance with international standards set by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile.
Among the construction work that PT PP is conducting includes creating a track lane, verge and curb, inner and outer service road, concrete barrier, tunnel, and gravel bed, asphalt work, runoff, and Hauraton drainage.
The Mandalika project in Lombok is worth Rp 899 billion and is owned by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).
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“Based on PT PP’s experience in conducting large-scale projects such as the Yogyakarta International Airport, we are confident that the latest project will deliver the same high-quality result and be completed before the target deadline.”
The circuit length is expected to be 4.31 kilometers long with 17 turns, which is poised to be a strong contender to Thailand’s MotoGP 2020 participation via its Buriram United International Circuit.
Next year, Indonesia has been scheduled to host the 15th MotoGP series which had previously been held in Malaysia and Thailand.
The Mandalika circuit project in Central Lombok will be equipped with a paddock area for up to 40 garages, a Grand Stand sitting capacity for up to 50,000 people, and a standing area for up to 138,000 people.
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What makes Indonesia’s MotoGP development distinct is that it will be the first street race circuit in the world offering gorgeous views of nature since it is surrounded by hills, beaches, and lagoons.
The Mandalika project will also be the first street race circuit by MotoGP and once the project is completed, it is expected to drive the engines of economic growth for residents.
“PT PP is proud to have been entrusted with the completion of MotoGP’s first street race circuit in the world. We are the first contractor in Indonesia to be given the trust to complete the roads and circuit for a significant event like MotoGP.”
(Writer: Akhdi Martin Pratama | Editor: Erlangga Djumena)
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