Indonesia Stands Firm on Israeli Athlete Visa Ban, Defies IOC Pressure
(MENAFN) Indonesia has pushed back against threats from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after its decision to block Israeli athletes from participating in the World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. The move is a response to Israel's ongoing actions in Gaza.
In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Indonesian Sports and Youth Minister Erick Thohir acknowledged that refusing visas for Israeli athletes could have “consequences,” but stressed that the decision was in line with Indonesia's national principles.
“Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sports events at the Southeast Asian, Asian and global levels,” Thohir wrote, underscoring the country’s desire to use sports to demonstrate its strength on the international stage. “We are committed to maintaining security, public order, and public interest in all international events,” he added, explaining that the decision was grounded in Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which mandates the country to help uphold world peace.
Earlier this month, Indonesia announced it would prevent Israeli athletes from competing in the World Gymnastics Championships, scheduled for October 19-25, citing the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza.
In response, the IOC condemned the visa denial, stating on Wednesday it would "recommend to all International Federations not to host any international sports events or meetings in Indonesia until" Jakarta ensures that all athletes, irrespective of nationality, can attend.
The IOC’s reaction has drawn significant criticism, particularly in light of its handling of Russia’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the IOC barred Russian athletes from competing under their flag but allowed Israeli athletes to participate in Paris despite the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza has claimed over 68,000 lives and left more than 170,000 injured since it escalated on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Palestinian officials report that more than 800 athletes have been killed, with sports facilities in Gaza also heavily damaged.
Despite the IOC’s calls for access, Thohir emphasized Indonesia’s right to uphold its national laws and regulations, asserting that the nation’s decision to exclude the Israeli delegation is both legal and justified. "On that basis, Indonesia has taken steps to avoid the arrival of the Israeli delegation at the Gymnastics World Championships," he concluded.
This diplomatic standoff reflects a growing divide over the treatment of athletes in global competitions, particularly amid the wider context of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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