“Mario Suryo Aji and Veda Ega Pratama Share Their Journeys to the World Stage, While Students Celebrate Creativity, Safety, and Local Culture in the Spirit of SOLAH Mandalika.”
Mandalika, October 8, 2026 – The excitement of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 extends beyond the Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit. One day before race weekend, the energy of MotoGP™ reached the local community through the Riders Go to School program at SD Negeri 2 Kuta Mandalika in Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), on Thursday (October 8). The event brought together five Moto2™ and Moto3™ riders Mario Suryo Aji, Veda Ega Pratama, Manuel Gonzalez, Luca Lunetta, and David Almansa to meet students, share their experiences, and participate in various activities designed to bring the MotoGP™ experience closer to the younger generation of Mandalika in a meaningful and engaging way.
The activity was part of SOLAH MandalikaSustainability Orientation with Local Hospitality of Mandalika, an initiative that incorporates sustainability, diversity, inclusivity, and community engagement into international events held at The Mandalika. Through SOLAH, the MotoGP™ experience extends beyond the racetrack into local communities, creating broader experiences and benefits for the public.
The riders’ arrival was welcomed with traditional art performances by the students. The local cultural atmosphere provided an opening that brought together world-class sporting energy and Mandalika’s rich traditional identity.
The students then had the opportunity to interact directly with the riders during a sharing session. Mario Suryo Aji and Veda Ega Pratama shared stories about their journeys in the world of motorcycle racing, from their training routines and experiences overcoming challenges and competitive pressure to the opportunity to represent Indonesia on the international stage.
The students were encouraged to understand that achieving success does not happen overnight. Behind the riders’ speed on the track lies a long journey that demands discipline, hard work, courage, and consistency.
Troy Warokka, Chairman of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 and ITDC Director of Operations, said that bringing riders and students together was one way to ensure that the presence of MotoGP™ in Mandalika could be experienced more broadly by the local community.
“We want children in Mandalika to do more than just watch the riders on the track. Today, they had the opportunity to meet them, talk, laugh, and learn directly from the racers they watch competing. We hope this experience will inspire them to be brave enough to dream and believe that they, too, can reach the world stage,” Troy said.
From the Racetrack to the Classroom
The interaction between the riders and students continued with a helmet-painting activity. Eight selected students from Grades 3 to 6 had the opportunity to express their creativity by decorating helmets alongside the riders.
The activity was more than just an opportunity to play and express themselves. Through the children’s creativity, environmental awareness was also introduced as part of the “Greener Future Together” spirit promoted by SOLAH Mandalika.
The students then presented their creations to the riders and attending VIP guests. The moment was filled with excitement and became one of the highlights of the event, bringing the racers and the local younger generation together through a shared creative experience.
The cultural significance promoted by SOLAH Mandalika was also reflected in the traditional art performances presented by the students. The presence of local culture throughout the MotoGP™ program demonstrated how Mandalika’s traditions can coexist with the international sporting stage.
Meanwhile, the spirit of diversity and inclusion was reflected in the participation of students, teachers, riders, and various stakeholders in an open and equal setting that encouraged interaction.
The event was further enlivened by an interactive quiz conducted with the Traffic Directorate’s Security and Safety Unit of the NTB Regional Police. Through a lighthearted and engaging approach, students learned about the importance of road safety and the need to understand traffic regulations from an early age.
Through these activities, the students not only had the opportunity to meet riders they had previously watched on screen but also gained valuable lessons in safety, discipline, creativity, sportsmanship, and environmental responsibility.
Bringing MotoGP™ Closer to the Community
Lalu Satriadi, Principal of SD Negeri 2 Kuta Mandalika, expressed his pride in having his school selected to participate in the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 program.
“Their visit has inspired our students and teachers by showing that reaching the world stage requires hard work and a high level of dedication,” he said.
Meanwhile, Indonesian Moto3™ rider Veda Ega Pratama said he was delighted to return to Lombok and share his experiences with the younger generation.
“I’m happy to share my experiences with the children here. I hope they will become more confident in dreaming big and continue working hard to achieve their dreams,” Veda said.
The program continued with the presentation of donations from InJourney and InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) to SD Negeri 2 Kuta Mandalika as a form of support for the educational environment surrounding The Mandalika.
The SOLAH Mandalika program will continue on Friday (October 9) with Students Go to Paddock, involving 50 students and 10 teachers from various schools across Lombok Island. The program will give participants the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of race weekend up close, learn about activities in the paddock area, and gain firsthand insight into the organization of a world-class motorcycle racing event in Mandalika.
Through these initiatives, the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026 demonstrates that the spirit of MotoGP™ extends beyond the racetrack, bringing inspiration, local culture, and positive energy to the younger generation of Mandalika through SOLAH Mandalika.