Locals use Mandalika Circuit as 'shortcut' - cuts through fences
The Mandalika Circuit development has caused a few issues for the locals living nearby
The upcoming MotoGP-prepped Mandalika Circuit located in the South Lombok Island region of Indonesia is nearing completion and close for its homologation tests. While work is currently being carried out for its third and final asphalt surface, a new problem has arisen - locals around the area cutting through the fences and using the circuit as a shortcut.
A small population consisting of mostly fishermen living nearby the track stated that they had no proper access roads to get to the beach to earn a living. Access tunnels have been built at several parts of the track for this very purpose (as well as for the locals to send their kids to school), but they've also stated that the tunnels are often submerged with water reaching up to their necks.
This particular predicament led to them taking the drastic route of cutting through the Mandalika Circuit's fences and using its access roads instead. With so much development going around, the situation has messed up the daily lives of the locals, and cutting through the circuit was seen as the only choice for them to continue living throughout the disruption.
Mandalika’s developer, the Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), has yet to comment regarding the matter as they're currently busy with getting the track ready before the end of the year to host its first race for WorldSBK scheduled in November. If all goes well, the track will also host its first MotoGP race in 2022.
