ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — Indonesia is leveraging motorsport to strengthen sports tourism, develop world-class racing talent and support the growth of its automotive industry, with the IMI Awards 2025, held on July 1, 2026, honoring achievements recorded throughout 2025.
Organized by the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI), the country’s national motorsport governing body affiliated with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the annual awards recognized more than 300 athletes, officials, event organizers and automotive industry figures. The ceremony has evolved beyond a recognition event into a platform for strengthening Indonesia’s motorsport ecosystem and enhancing its international competitiveness.
IMI Chairman Moreno Suprapto said the awards recognize dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship while encouraging Indonesian athletes to compete at the highest international level.
“Every achievement on the podium reflects years of hard work, collaboration and commitment. These awards are intended to inspire even greater accomplishments in the future,” Moreno said.
He said Indonesia’s motorsport ecosystem continued to expand despite industry challenges, supported by closer cooperation among IMI’s national and regional chapters, race promoters and private-sector partners.
IMI is also broadening its role beyond competitive racing by promoting mobility innovation and strengthening Indonesia’s engagement with the global automotive community.
Organizing Committee Chairman Bayu Priawan said preparations for the event took nearly three months, reflecting IMI’s commitment to recognizing excellence across Indonesian motorsport.
More than 300 awards were presented across hundreds of categories, honoring athletes and contributors from a broad range of racing disciplines.
“We want IMI Awards 2025 to be remembered not merely as an awards ceremony, but as a celebration of IMI’s 120-year journey and a catalyst for Indonesian athletes to pursue even greater achievements on the international stage,” Bayu said.
He added that IMI remains committed to working with the government to strengthen athlete development while promoting motorsport as a key pillar of Indonesia’s expanding sports tourism industry.
Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir, who attended the ceremony, said motorsport has an increasingly important role in supporting the country’s sports tourism strategy and automotive sector.
He noted that President Prabowo Subianto has identified sports tourism as a strategic sector capable of generating broader economic growth across Indonesia, with organizations such as IMI expected to play a greater role in achieving that objective.
“The President expects stronger contributions from IMI in advancing Indonesia’s automotive industry and sports tourism,” Erick told reporters.
Among the athletes recognized was racing driver Avila Bahar, who recently secured double titles in the 2026 Malaysia Touring Car Championship (MTCC). He said the recognition would motivate Indonesian drivers to continue competing successfully on the international stage.
“It is an honor to receive this award from IMI. Recognition like this motivates us to continue improving and achieving more internationally,” Bahar said.
As Indonesia seeks to diversify its sports economy, the IMI Awards are increasingly serving as more than an annual awards ceremony. They have become a platform to nurture world-class motorsport talent, strengthen the national automotive ecosystem and reinforce Indonesia’s ambition to become one of Asia’s leading destinations for international motorsport and sports tourism. (Silvia Andriani)
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