Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir said the launch of the Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia as the title sponsor of the Mandalika 2022 MotoGP event was a positive thing in building Indonesia's brand and image in the eyes of the world.

Erick Thohir said that image as a country is very important, especially for Indonesia, which is projected to become the fourth largest economy in the world by 2045.

Erick said that positive branding will attract local and foreign investors to invest in Indonesia. Erick said that sport is one of the most effective means of introducing a brand.

This has also become the concern of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who pushed for the realization of the Asian Games in his first term in office and received a positive response from the international community.

"Now, in his second term, we also continue to encourage many events in Indonesia. In 2023, we will also host the U-20 World Cup, the world championship for basketball, and also the World Beach Games," said Erick.

As the host of a number of major events, said Erick, Indonesia wants to position itself as a developed country and capable of holding international events.

Erick asked that the implementation of MotoGP be taken seriously. Because, said Erick, MotoGP is an international event that is held continuously every year.

Erick expressed his gratitude to Dorna for trusting Indonesia to host MotoGP. Erick assessed that this belief was correct considering that Indonesia is one of the countries with the largest motor vehicle users and MotoGR fans in the world.

Erick appreciated Pertamina for supporting the Mandalika MotoGP. Erick himself continues to encourage Pertamina to have a valuation of up to 100 billion US dollars and be included in the ranks of the world's largest companies.

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