Indonesia defends decision to ban Israel gymnasts after IOC statement

Indonesia is aware of the repercussions of its decision to bar Israeli gymnasts from competing in a world championship event in Jakarta, Sports Minister Erick Thohir said on Thursday, stressing that the move aimed to preserve public order.

His remarks followed a statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which urged all international sports federations to avoid hosting events in Indonesia and announced it was halting talks over the country’s potential bid to host the 2036 Summer Games.

“We uphold the principle of ensuring security, public order, and the public interest when hosting any international event,” Thohir wrote on social media, noting that the approach reflects Indonesia’s constitutional duty to help maintain global peace.

The world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation denied visas to Israeli athletes after objections from both the government and the country’s council of Islamic clerics. Jakarta said the decision aligns with its longstanding policy of refusing relations with Israel until it recognises Palestinian statehood.

Thohir acknowledged that by excluding Israeli athletes, Indonesia would not be permitted to host Olympic, Youth Olympic, or other world championship events under the Olympic framework. Still, he said the country remains committed to actively participating in regional and international sports competitions.

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