Jakarta: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged international sports federations to refrain from hosting events in Indonesia following the country’s decision to deny visas to Israeli gymnasts at the ongoing Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta. Indonesia said the move was necessary to ‘maintain public order.’
The IOC’s executive board issued a statement recommending that world sports bodies cease holding competitions in Indonesia. The statement also confirmed that Indonesia’s potential Olympic Games bids will not proceed until the government provides assurances that all athletes, regardless of nationality, will be allowed to compete in future events.
Earlier this month, Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, blocked Israeli gymnasts from attending the championship, citing Israel’s actions in Gaza and aligning with Indonesia’s policy of cutting ties with Israel until it recognizes Palestine’s independence.
The IOC emphasized that it will adjust qualification principles for Olympic events to guarantee that athletes of all nationalities can participate in qualifying competitions.
Additionally, the IOC has ordered the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to attend a meeting at its Lausanne, Switzerland, headquarters to discuss the issue, though no date has been set.
Following the IOC announcement, Indonesian Sports Minister Erick Thohir stated that the country understands the consequences of its decision, stressing that the move is meant to maintain public order. Thohir said THAT, “We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order, and the public interest in hosting every international event.”
Thohir further noted that, “We understand that this decision carries consequences, wherein as long as Indonesia cannot accept the presence of Israel, the IOC has decided that Indonesia cannot host world championships, Olympic events, Youth Olympic Games, and other activities under the Olympic umbrella.”
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) also recently rejected appeals by the Israel Gymnastics Federation to allow its athletes to compete at the championship. CAS turned down requests to force the FIG to guarantee Israel’s participation, or cancel or move the event. Additionally, CAS rejected Israel’s request to annul FIG’s acknowledgment of Indonesia’s government statement on October 14.
Indonesia has previously expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, but the IOC’s decision now seriously jeopardizes those plans. The case underscores the tension between national policies and international sports regulations, as Indonesia’s actions clash with the IOC’s requirement for universal athlete participation, raising questions about the country’s future ability to host major global sporting events.
This development also highlights the IOC’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity in sports, reaffirming that all athletes must have equal opportunities to compete, regardless of their nationality, in events sanctioned under the Olympic umbrella.
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