Indonesia Bars Israeli Athletes from World Gymnastics Championships

Indonesian authorities have formally excluded Israeli athletes from the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships scheduled for Jakarta later this month, confirming that no entry visas will be issued to the Israeli delegation. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra announced the decision Thursday, citing the government's consistent policy regarding Israeli participation in international sporting events held in Indonesia.

Minister Mahendra acknowledged that the visa refusal represents the government's "careful response to pressure from religious groups, regional administrations and political parties" opposing Israeli participation. The policy was coordinated across relevant government institutions, including Minister of Immigration and Correction Agus Andrianto, who revealed that a gymnastics federation had initially submitted a sponsorship letter supporting Israeli athletes' visa applications before subsequently withdrawing it upon recognizing Indonesia's established position.

Although the ministerial statement did not explicitly identify the involved federation, contextual indications strongly suggest it was the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), which organizes the World Championships scheduled for October 19-25. The federation's apparent withdrawal of sponsorship following Indonesia's stance demonstrates the complex interplay between international sporting governance and host countries' political positions, particularly concerning Israeli participation in events held in Muslim-majority nations.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo reinforced the national government's position Wednesday, declaring "As the governor, I will certainly bar Israeli athletes from coming here." The coordinated stance between national and capital city authorities underscores the political consensus behind the exclusion decision, which aligns with Indonesia's historical diplomatic posture regarding Israel and reflects broader domestic political considerations ahead of the prestigious international sporting event.