JAKARTA, INDONESIA BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE – The roar of the jet engine, extreme maneuvers in sharp turns, and the high adrenaline behind the wheel of the fastest car in the world. That’s the sensation of Formula 1 (F1), the most prestigious car racing event that bewitches millions of spectators around the world. However, during the hustle and bustle of the global racing calendar, one question was raised amid racing fans in Indonesia: “Should Indonesia host F1?”
Until now, Indonesia has never been recorded as the host of the Grand Prix Formula 1 in the long history of the championship. Since F1 was first held in 1950, more than 70 countries have tasted the experience of being the host of this prestigious racing event.
In the 2025 season, F1 entered the age of 75 years by compiling a solid calendar containing 24 Grand Prix in 21 countries spread across five continents. Legendary circuits such as Silverstone (England), Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium), to Suzuka (Japan), combined with modern venues such as Las Vegas and Miami (United States). In Southeast Asia itself, Singapore is the only permanent host of the Singapore Grand Prix.
However, the discourse of expanding F1 implementation in the Southeast Asian region is increasingly raised. Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei revealed that Thailand and Indonesia are now included in the radar to host the future. This statement was delivered in an international automotive forum in Monaco, May 2024.
Indonesia’s desire to hold F1 is not new. In May 2019, Indonesian President Joko Widodo asked related parties to explore opportunities for organizing F1 racing in the country. This step was welcomed by the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), which was then led by Abdulbar Mansoer, by looking at the potential of the Mandalika area, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), as a decent location.
After successfully holding the World Superbike (WSBK) and MotoGP since 2021 and 2022 at the Mandalika Circuit, Asa is set to bring Formula 1 to Indonesia, also strengthening again. Chairperson of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI), Bambang Soesatyo, confirmed that his party continued to carry out active lobbying so that Indonesia could enter the F1 calendar in the 2026 season.
Indonesia’s commitment to hosting is also shown through the plan to build a new Formula 1 circuit in the Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK) area, North Jakarta, as well as on Bintan Island, Riau Islands. But until now, there has been no official announcement from Formula 1 regarding the addition of new circuits in Indonesia.
Although the opportunity is open, the challenges faced are not small. F1 is known as a place with enormous logistics and funding needs. The host country must be prepared with high-standard infrastructure and a long-term investment commitment. Not infrequently, the financial benefits of holding the Grand Prix were not directly felt.
Formula 1 is a stage of prestige, technology, and global economic power. To be able to compete to be the host, Indonesia must ensure readiness in the technical, financial, to integrated tourism promotion.
