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 ban Israeli gymnasts.
Indonesia said last week it would not grant visas to Israeli athletes competing in 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 country over hosting future Olympic events.
The committee also urged “all international federations not to organize any international sporting events or meetings in Indonesia” until the country guarantees access for all participants.
In a show of defiance, Minister of Sports and Youth Erick Thohir said on Thursday that Jakarta was aware that its position “brings consequences” but would continue to engage internationally.
“Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sporting events at the Southeast Asian, Asian and global levels, so that Indonesian sports can serve as an ambassador and a reflection of the country’s strength in the eyes of the world,” he said on X.
Thohir said Indonesia adheres to the principle of maintaining “security, public order and public interest” when organizing international events.
“Based on this, Indonesia has taken steps to prevent the arrival of the Israeli delegation to the World Gymnastics Championships,” he said.
The Indonesian National Olympic Committee declined to comment on the IOC statement, saying discussions were ongoing.
The Israeli Gymnastics Federation appealed the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but it was rejected.
In July 2023, Indonesia withdrew from hosting the World Beach Games after controversy over Israel’s participation.
In March that year, Indonesia lost hosting rights for the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after two governors objected to Israel’s participation.
Both took place before the war broke out between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Indonesia has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel and has strongly criticized Israel over the war even after this month’s ceasefire took effect.
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