Jakarta: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended that global sports federations refrain from hosting sporting events in Indonesia after the country banned Israeli gymnasts from the ongoing Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta. Indonesia said the move was taken to “maintain public order.”
The decision sparked international concern, as Israel’s athletes were denied visas and could not participate in the championship, which began on Sunday. Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, cited its longstanding policy of not recognising Israel until it acknowledges the independence of Palestine.
IOC takes strong stance
In a statement on Wednesday, the IOC’s executive board urged world sports bodies to stop holding events in Indonesia. It also announced that all discussions regarding a potential Olympic Games bid by Indonesia are suspended until the government can provide assurances that athletes of all nationalities will be allowed to compete in future events.
Indonesia has expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, but the IOC’s decision significantly diminishes its chances of landing the Games.
Government defends decision
Following the IOC’s statement, Indonesia’s Sports Minister Erick Thohir said the country “understands the consequences of its decision” and emphasised that the move was intended to maintain public order.
“We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order, and the public interest in hosting every international event,” Thohir posted on X. He added that the decision aligns with the country’s constitutional obligations.
Thohir noted that, as long as Indonesia cannot accept the presence of Israeli athletes, the IOC has decided that Indonesia cannot host world championships, Olympic events, Youth Olympic Games, or other activities under the Olympic umbrella.
IOC to enforce athlete access
The IOC also said it would adjust qualification principles to guarantee that athletes of all nationalities have access to qualification events for Olympic Games. The Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) have been asked to attend a meeting at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the matter. No date has been set for the meeting.
Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected appeals by the Israel Gymnastics Federation to allow its athletes to compete at the championship. CAS also dismissed Israel’s request to force the FIG to guarantee their participation or relocate the event.
Ongoing international implications
The IOC’s decision highlights the growing tension between sports governance and political policies. By cutting off discussions on Indonesia’s Olympic bid and advising federations to avoid the country, the IOC is sending a clear message that exclusion of athletes based on nationality is unacceptable under its charter.