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Indonesia says it will continue to play an “active role” in international sport after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged federations not to host events there following the country’s decision to bar Israeli gymnasts.
Indonesia last week said it would not grant visas to Israeli athletes due to compete at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, citing Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.
The move was condemned by the IOC, which said it had ended dialogue with the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation about hosting future Olympic events.
The committee also urged “all international federations not to host any international sports events or meetings in Indonesia” until the country provided guarantees of access for all competitors.
In a bold move, Erick Thohir, the minister for sports and youth, stated on Thursday that Jakarta recognizes the potential repercussions of its position but remains committed to participating on the global stage.
“Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sports events at the Southeast Asian, Asian and global levels, so that Indonesian sports can serve as an ambassador and a reflection of the nation’s strength in the eyes of the world,” he said on X.
Thohir said Indonesia adhered to the principle of maintaining “security, public order and public interest” when hosting international events.
“On that basis, Indonesia has taken steps to avoid the arrival of the Israeli delegation at the Gymnastics World Championships,” he said.
Indonesia’s National Olympic Committee declined to comment on the IOC statement, saying discussions were ongoing.
Meanwhile, Israel’s gymnastics federation sought to challenge the ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS); however, their appeal was turned down.
In July 2023, Indonesia pulled out of hosting the World Beach Games following controversy over Israel’s participation.
In March that year, Indonesia lost the hosting rights to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after two governors objected to Israel’s participation.
Both of those occurred before the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza.
Indonesia has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel, and has strongly criticised Israel over the war, even after this month’s ceasefire took effect.
