Jakarta, Sept. 30 -- Indonesia has generated nearly Rp5 trillion (around US$279.5 million) in economic impact from hosting MotoGP races at the Pertamina Mandalika International Street Circuit in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, according to a government official.

"MotoGP is the real deal. Its economic impact has reached nearly Rp5 trillion," Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said in Jakarta on Wednesday during the launch of a book examining the economic, tourism, and branding benefits of the Mandalika MotoGP.

He said the government would continue pursuing measures to maximize the benefits of hosting the premier motorcycle racing championship for both the national and local economies.

"We will step up our efforts. Our target this year i...