Powering the Track: How Telkom Secured the Digital Pulse of the Mandalika WSBK

The roar of engines at the Mandalika International Street Circuit isn't just about speed; it's about the invisible digital threads that keep the world connected to the action. As the World Superbike (WSBK) event kicked off from November 19 to 21, 2021, the spotlight wasn't only on the riders but also on the massive technical operation running behind the scenes. PT Telkom Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (Telkom) took center stage, ensuring that every byte of data and every second of broadcast reached global audiences without a hitch.

To guarantee that service quality remained at an elite level throughout the race weekend, Telkom’s top brass conducted a hands-on inspection of the infrastructure. Telkom Independent Commissioner Abdi Negara Nurdin and Telkom Network & IT Solution Director Herlan Wijanarko personally visited several critical sites, including the Automated Telephone Center (STO) in Mataram, the Mataram Command Post, and the STO in Gerung. Their journey continued to the supporting infrastructure rooms at STO Praya and concluded at the Mandalika National Operation Center, the very heart of the racing area’s digital ecosystem.

During these site visits, Abdi Negara Nurdin emphasized the gravity of the mission. For Telkom, this wasn't just another project; it was a matter of national pride. He reminded the teams on duty that Telkom has a proven track record in managing large-scale national and international events, and Mandalika was the next big test. He noted that Indonesia's reputation on the global stage was effectively linked to the quality of the ICT support provided by Telkom. He urged every employee to maintain their spirit and deliver their absolute best for the country.

Adding to the operational perspective, Herlan Wijanarko confirmed that the TelkomGroup infrastructure was 100% ready for the high-stakes environment of the WSBK. He outlined a five-point strategy that served as the blueprint for their success. First, strict operational discipline regarding schedules and reporting. Second, a high level of responsiveness to any technical anomalies to ensure early mitigation. Third, deep collaboration across all units and partners. Fourth, regular briefings to ensure everyone was on the same page. Finally, constant patrols along the backbone and access lines to prevent any physical disruptions to the network.

On the technical side, the scale of the deployment was massive. TelkomGroup expanded its backbone network and deployed extensive fiber optic cables throughout the circuit and its surrounding ecosystem. To handle the surge in mobile traffic, Telkomsel added Node B Combat units, pushing the region's ICT capacity to a staggering 7.22 Gbps. This comprehensive support covered what Telkom calls the MASIV area—Media, Accommodation, Security, International Airport, and Venue. Within the circuit itself, the connectivity reached every critical corner, from the paddock and pit building to the medical center, race control, TV compound, and spectator stands.

But Telkom’s mission extended far beyond the race track. Recognizing that a world-class event should benefit the local community, the company also focused on digitalizing MSMEs and the surrounding hospitality sector. They implemented Point of Sales (PoS) systems for local vendors selling merchandise and food. Furthermore, they streamlined homestay management through digital platforms and apps like Padi UMKM, My Sooltan, Wonderin, and Travel Aja, allowing local residents to manage room reservations professionally.

Ultimately, Telkom’s deep involvement in the WSBK race is a clear manifestation of its commitment to national economic growth. By bolstering super-priority tourism destinations like Mandalika with world-class digital infrastructure, Telkom isn't just supporting a race; they are helping to polish Indonesia’s image in the eyes of the international community and stimulating a more robust economy for the people of Lombok.