Indonesia declares interest to make WRC return

Indonesia has formally declared its interest in hosting a round of the World Rally Championship in the near future.

The WRC Promoter met with the Indonesian Minister for Sport and Youth, Dito Ariotedjo, in the nation’s capital city Jakarta this week to discuss the possibility of Indonesia making a return to the WRC.

A Heads of Agreement for Indonesia to join the WRC in the future was signed by the Indonesian government and WRC event director Simon Larkin. Further discussions will be held between both parties, with a return to the championship in 2026 thought to be among the possible options.    

Indonesia has a rich history in rally having previously the hosted the WRC in 1996 and 1997. Both editions were won by Carlos Sainz, driving a Ford Escort. Rally Indonesia continues to be a regular fixture in the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship.     

Indonesia’s global motorsport footprint has been increasing in recent years with the nation welcoming back MotoGP in 2022 at the Mandalika circuit, while Formula E made its debut in Jakarta, also in 2022, and will rejoin the series’ calendar in 2025 after sitting out 2024.    

“WRC Promoter was in Jakarta to meet with the Indonesian Minister for Sport and Youth Dito Ariotedjo as well as many other governmental representatives to discuss the future of the WRC in Indonesia. This is the culmination of a lot of hard work involving the Indonesian ASN, the IMI [Ikatan Motor Indonesia] – who were the hosts for the visit,” WRC event director Simon Larkin said in a statement sent to Motorsport.com.

“A good deal of progress was made, and all parties have agreed in a Heads of Agreement to continue towards the ultimate ambition of the WRC Rally Indonesia joining the WRC calendar in the near future. Further discussions and negotiations will continue immediately amongst all parties.”

The WRC has expanded its calendar to 14 rounds for this year, bolstered by new events in Paraguay and Saudi Arabia, while the Canary Islands makes its debut having stepped up from the European Rally Championship.

Several nations appear to be in the running to join the WRC schedule in 2026. A highly-anticipated return to the USA for the first time since 1988 is among the WRC’s key targets for next year, while Croatia, Ireland and Scotland are seeking a return to calendar.