JAKARTA:
Indonesia pledged on Thursday to play an “active role” in world sports after the IOC urged federations not to hold events there following the country’s ban on Israeli gymnasts.
The International Olympic Committee’s executive board said on Wednesday it would “recommend to all international federations not to host international sporting events or meetings in Indonesia” until it provides guarantees of access for all participants in games.
The council said it also ended dialogue with the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation over hosting any future Olympic events.
It came after Indonesia denied visas for Israelis to compete in the ongoing world artistic gymnastics championships in Jakarta, citing support for the Palestinians.
In a show of defiance, Sports and Youth Minister Eric Tohir said on Thursday that Jakarta knew its ban on Israelis “has consequences”.
But he wrote in X: “Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sporting events at the Southeast Asian, Asian and global level so that Indonesian sports can serve as an ambassador and reflection of the nation’s strength in the eyes of the world.
“We … adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order and public interest in every international event that is organized.”
“On this basis, Indonesia has taken measures to avoid the arrival of the Israeli delegation to the World Gymnastics Championships.”
Indonesia’s National Olympic Committee declined to comment on the IOC’s move because it said discussions were ongoing.
Israel’s gymnastics federation appealed the ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but it was dismissed.
In July 2023, Indonesia withdrew from hosting the World Beach Games following a dispute over Israel’s participation.
In March of that year, Indonesia lost hosting rights to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after two governors objected to Israel’s participation.
Both of these occurred before war broke out between Israel and the armed group Hamas in Gaza, where a ceasefire is currently in place.
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