Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia is set to host the prestigious World Rally Championship (WRC), marking its return to the global rally stage after nearly three decades. The announcement was made by Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo, who revealed that the WRC promoter has expressed strong interest in holding the event in the country by 2026.
The last time Indonesia hosted a WRC event was in 1997, when Carlos Sainz Sr. clinched victory driving a Ford in Medan, North Sumatra. The proposed venues for the upcoming rally include Medan and the scenic Lake Toba region.
Planning for 2026 or 2027
Minister Dito stated that while 2027 is a more realistic target, WRC organizers are pushing for an earlier timeline.
“The WRC has already locked in 14 race series for 2026, but they’re eager to include Indonesia. We’ll assess the feasibility based on infrastructure readiness and technical requirements,” he explained.
The final decision will involve coordination between the WRC, the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI), and the government’s Public Service Agency for Sports (LPDUK).
Boosting Local Economy and Sport Tourism
Dito emphasized the potential economic benefits of hosting the event, drawing parallels with the success of the F1 Powerboat event held in Lake Toba.
“This event is not just about sports; it’s an opportunity to uplift the local economy and showcase Indonesia’s tourism potential,” Dito added.
Support from Key Stakeholders
IMI Chairman Bambang Soesatyo described the return of the WRC as a “dejavu moment,” highlighting its alignment with President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming’s vision of boosting sport tourism to drive economic growth.
Senior Director of WRC Promoter, Simon Larkin, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration:
“We are honored to be here and excited about the possibility of hosting a WRC event in Indonesia. This partnership marks a bright future for rally sports in the country,” he said.
11 Indonesian Nationals (WNI) Arrested in Japan for Alleged Murder of Fellow Citizen
Next Steps
Before finalizing the plans, WRC representatives will conduct site inspections and detailed assessments of the proposed routes. The goal is to ensure that the event meets global standards while maximizing its impact on local communities and tourism.
(Becky)
