Govt Encourages IMI to Strengthen Sport Tourism and National Automotive Industry

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Youth and Sports (Menpora), Erick Thohir, emphasized the government's commitment to continue supporting the advancement of the national automotive industry and sports. He conveyed this while attending the IMI Awards, which were held in conjunction with the 120th anniversary of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI).

Erick said that IMI's long journey has become an important momentum for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to strengthen collaboration in building the automotive sports ecosystem in Indonesia. According to him, cross-ministerial and institutional synergy continues to be carried out to develop sport tourism, the sport industry, and to enhance national sports achievements.

"We continue to collaborate with various ministries, one of which is the Ministry of Tourism, to develop sport tourism and the sport industry as part of national sports development," Erick said in Jakarta, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

The Minister of Youth and Sports revealed that President Prabowo Subianto has directed the government to make the tourism and sports sectors one of the new sources of economic growth. Therefore, every sports event is expected not only to be successful in terms of execution but also to provide economic benefits to the community.

"The President requested that the major tourism and sports agenda until 2029 have a tangible economic impact. The government should not only allocate a budget but also be able to drive economic growth that is felt by the community and regions," he said.

The Minister believes that IMI has a strategic role in developing sport tourism and the automotive sports industry in Indonesia. One example is the organization of the MotoGP Indonesia, which is considered capable of providing an economic impact of up to IDR 4.9 trillion, while also producing talented racers such as Doni Tata Pradita, Rafid Topan Sucipto, and Veda Ega Pratama.

According to him, the organization of various racing events not only drives the economy but also serves as a platform for the emergence of new talents in the national automotive world.

Erick hopes that IMI will continue to strengthen the national automotive industry ecosystem by maintaining a balance between performance development, sports tourism development, and the growth of the sports industry. He is optimistic that this collaboration will support Indonesia's efforts to achieve industrial independence as directed by President Prabowo Subianto.