The Mandalika Special Economic Zone (SEZ), West Nusa Tenggara, continues to improve to consolidate its position as a world-class sports tourism destination. Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Taufik Hidayat, emphasized the government's full support for the construction of sports facilities in the area, which is considered crucial for the economic growth of the local community.
Taufik made the statement while inaugurating padel sports facilities in Mandalika on Saturday (11/7/2026). According to him, the presence of sports infrastructure is not merely an instrument to produce high-achieving athletes, but also part of the development strategy for the sports industry that can attract both foreign and domestic tourists.
Taufik added that global tourism trends are now shifting toward active lifestyles. The presence of padel courts and other sports facilities is expected to become an additional attraction beyond international racing events like MotoGP. This is projected to extend the length of stay for tourists who want to enjoy sports, culture, and culinary experiences in Mandalika.
Echoing this sentiment, the Acting President Director of ITDC, Ahmad Fajar, stated that they are committed to completing Mandalika's tourism ecosystem. Currently, ITDC has provided three padel courts and one basketball court, with strategic plans to develop five additional padel court locations in the Gunung area.
This step is part of ongoing efforts to diversify Mandalika's attractions. With increasingly complete facilities, the management hopes tourists will not only come to watch motorcycle racing, but also make Mandalika a main destination for vacations while adopting a healthy lifestyle.
