Minister Expects MXGP 2017 to Boost Tourism

Jakarta (JP) – Indonesia is expected to earn US$5 million in foreign exchange and US$3.74 million from
domestic visitors from the international sport series event MXGP 2017 in Pangkal Pinang, Bangka-
Belitung province, on March 4th and 5th.

Indonesia is the third selected country in Asia, after Qatar and Thailand, to host this MXGP sport event.
The event was introduced in 1957 and was sanctioned by international motorsport federation, the
Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). In this event, dozens of motocross racers from 20
countries will compete in motocross races.

“The event, which will be covered by 62 foreign TV broadcasters, is also expected to help promote
tourism sites in the region,” said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya. About 5,000 foreigners are expected to
attend the event hosted for the first time by Indonesia, with each person spending an average of $1,000
while staying in the country, he said. “We also expect over 50,000 Indonesians to attend the event,” Arief
said on Monday during a press conference at the ministry’s office in Jakarta, adding that each Indonesian
was projected to spend an average of Rp 1 million.

(The Jakarta Post Jakarta | Tue, February 28, 2017 | 01:06 pm)