Indonesia Bars Israeli Athletes from 2025 World Artistic gymnastics Championships
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Indonesia will not grant visas to Israeli athletes intending to compete in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, scheduled to take place in Jakarta from October 19-25. The decision underscores the nation’s steadfast commitment to Palestinian independence adn its long-held stance against establishing diplomatic relations with Israel until a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is achieved.
Government Affirms Policy of Non-Recognition
the confirmation came from Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra in a statement released on Thursday. He assured the public that Israeli contenders would not participate in the upcoming tournament, reiterating the government’s unwavering support for Palestine.
“This policy reflects our prudence in responding to pressure from various religious organizations, regional governments, and political parties,” a senior official stated.
The decision aligns with remarks recently delivered by President Prabowo Subianto at the United Nations General Assembly, where he emphasized Indonesia’s position on not normalizing ties with Israel until the Palestinian people attain “true freedom and independence.”
Sponsorship Withdrawal Signals Anticipated Rejection
The visa withholding decision was not made in a vacuum. According to reports, a gymnastics federation – widely speculated to be the International Gymnastics Federation, the event’s organizing body – initially submitted a sponsorship letter to facilitate visa issuance for Israeli gymnasts. However, the federation reportedly withdrew its support after recognizing Indonesia’s consistent rejection of visa applications from Israeli athletes.
“The federation withdrew its sponsorship letter after realizing Indonesia’s tendency to reject visa applications from Israeli athletes,” the official confirmed.
Local Leaders Back National Stance
Support for the visa ban extends beyond the national government. On Wednesday, October 8, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo explicitly stated he would prevent Israeli athletes from entering the capital city.
“As the governor, I will certainly bar Israeli athletes from coming here,” he said, urging both the central government and relevant stakeholders to address the issue with care.
Similarly, Sukamta, Deputy Speaker of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), called for decisive action regarding potential participation.
“the government must uphold Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy, which prioritizes humanitarian values and aligns with our constitutional principles. We cannot afford to permit Israel’s participation in international sporting events,” Sukamta noted in a statement.
This decision reflects a deeply ingrained principle within Indonesian foreign policy and resonates with widespread public sentiment. The upcoming championships are poised to proceed without Israeli representation, reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to its principles on the international stage.
Why: Indonesia has barred Israeli athletes from participating in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics championships due to its long-standing policy of not recognizing Israel until a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is achieved. This decision also reflects pressure from religious organizations,regional governments,and political parties within Indonesia.
Who: Key figures involved include Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections yusril Ihza Mahendra, President Prabowo Subianto, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo, and Deputy Speaker of Commission I of the House of Representatives
