Indonesia has decided not to issue visas to Israeli athletes set to compete at the upcoming World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, following widespread public opposition and the country’s long-standing support for Palestine.
According to the Associated Press, Senior Minister for Law and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating that it was made in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives and Indonesia’s consistent foreign policy stance.
“The government will not grant visas to Israeli gymnasts who intend to attend the championships,” Mahendra said in a video message, adding that the decision reflects Indonesia’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Israel was among 86 nations registered for the World Gymnastics Championships, set to begin on October 19, with its lineup including Olympic gold medalist Artem Dolgopyat. However, participation was already in doubt after Indonesian politicians, Muslim groups, and civil society organizations demanded that the athletes be barred from entering the country.
Indonesia’s top Islamic body, the MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council), publicly supported the move, calling it a stand for justice and humanity.
“By refusing Israeli athletes, we reaffirm that all forms of colonialism must be abolished,” said Amirsyah Tambunan, the MUI Secretary General.
This is not the first time Indonesia has taken such a stance. The country was stripped of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2023 after refusing to host the Israeli team, a position consistent with its decades-long refusal to host Israeli delegations, dating back to the 1962 Asian Games.
Indonesia’s move comes amid growing efforts within the sporting world to draw attention to Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Several sporting federations have urged global bodies to take action and bar Israel from international events.
For Indonesia, the message is clear: sport is not separate from solidarity. It is a platform where political values and public sentiment converge and Jakarta is making sure that message is heard loud and clear.
