The Mandalika, August 23, 2026 – PT Pengembangan Pariwisata Indonesia (Persero) or InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) continues to strengthen The Mandalika as a tourism destination that focuses not only on event management but also on providing experiences that combine sports, lifestyle, culture, nature, and local community involvement.
One such effort is realized through the Mandalika Art & Culture Performance (MACP), which once again presented the Legend of Princess Mandalika Dance Drama at the Mandalika Bazaar on Saturday (August 22). The legend, which has become part of the identity of the Lombok people, was presented by the SakSak Dance art studio through a combination of drama, dance, and music.
This program is a collaboration between ITDC and the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Provincial Cultural Park and the surrounding community. It is part of an effort to make cultural richness and local wisdom a key element of the tourism experience at The Mandalika.
Acting President Director of ITDC, Ahmad Fajar, stated that the future development of The Mandalika will be directed more broadly as a destination with a strong story, character, and experience.
“We want The Mandalika to grow not just as an event venue, but as a destination with a strong story, character, and experience. Lombok culture is an important part of The Mandalika's DNA. Therefore, art, traditions, and local community involvement must be part of the experience every visitor experiences when they come to Mandalika,” Mr Ahmad Fajar said.
According to him, various national and international events play a crucial role as traffic pullers, bringing more people to and learning about The Mandalika. However, a strong destination experience is crucial for visitors to stay longer, enjoy more activities, and have a reason to return.
“Events are one of the drivers of visitation and national branding. But the power of a destination doesn't stop at events. Culture, nature, lifestyle, sports, culinary delights, hospitality, and the local community must grow into a unified ecosystem of experiences. This is what we want to continue building at The Mandalika,” Mr Ahmad Fajar continued.
The Legend of Princess Mandalika Dance Drama is one way local stories can be actualized as destination attractions. Through performing arts, visitors not only receive entertainment but also learn about the stories, values, and cultural identity that are an integral part of The Mandalika.
The MACP was first held on January 31st, 2026, and continues to develop as a space for local arts and culture and the active involvement of the surrounding community as actors in destination development.
The Head of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Cultural Park, Lalu Suryadi Mulawarman, stated that the performance of the Legend of Princess Mandalika is one way to keep cultural heritage alive and relevant amidst tourism development.
"The Legend of Princess Mandalika is part of the rich cultural heritage of the Lombok people, passed down through generations. When this story is re-enacted through drama, dance, and music, involving the community as performers, cultural preservation goes beyond preserving heritage but also provides a space for the culture to live on, be recognized, and be passed down to future generations," said Lalu Suryadi Mulawarman.
This year's MACP was further enhanced by the presence of The Dudas Minus One, consisting of Raffi Ahmad, Nazril Irham (Ariel), Gading Marten, and Deddy Mahendra Desta (Desta). Their presence amplified the experience of enjoying a different side of The Mandalika, not only as a location for major events, but also as a destination offering a rich culture and local community life.
They also appreciated the development of The Mandalika, which continues to show positive changes year after year, including the involvement of the local community in the MACP, which provides a space for them to perform, create, and be a direct part of tourism growth in their region.
ITDC views community involvement as a crucial part of sustainable destination development. Therefore, the development of The Mandalika is aimed not only at generating visits but also at building an ecosystem that allows local culture to flourish, creative actors to gain space, MSMEs to thrive, and the wider community to experience the economic benefits of tourism.
"Going forward, we want The Mandalika to be even more vibrant throughout the year. International-scale events will continue to drive visits and national branding, but cultural experiences, nature, lifestyle, sports, culinary delights, and community engagement will be the driving force that gives Mandalika its character and a reason to keep coming back," said Ahmad Fajar."Going forward, we want The Mandalika to be even more vibrant throughout the year. International-scale events will continue to drive visits and national branding, but cultural experiences, nature, lifestyle, sports, culinary delights, and community engagement will be the driving force that gives Mandalika its character and a reason to keep coming back," said Mr Ahmad Fajar.
This momentum also serves as part of strengthening destination activities towardsactivities towards various major events at The Mandalika. In the lead-up to the 2026 Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia, ITDC continues to promote various activities in the spirit of the Road to Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia 2026. This international event will not only feature a race but also serve as a gateway to more widely introduce the richness of The Mandalika and Lombok to Indonesia and the world.
The Pertamina Grand Prix of Indonesia brings the world to The Mandalika. Its culture, nature, and people provide reasons for the world to learn more about Mandalika. By strengthening cultural attractions, sports, lifestyle, and various other destination experiences, ITDC continues to encourage The Mandalika to develop as the Ultimate Lifestyle Sportstainment Destination that is world-class, sustainable, and provides tangible benefits to the community.