October 23, 2025 | 04:08 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia has lost its opportunity to host international sporting events following the government’s decision to deny visas to the Israeli gymnastics team that was scheduled to compete in the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta from October 19–25.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it would suspend all discussions with the Indonesian National Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia) regarding plans to host the Olympics or other international tournaments.
The move came in response to Indonesia’s decision to bar Israeli athletes from participating in the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
In a statement issued after its October meeting, the IOC expressed concern over host countries restricting access to athletes due to political reasons.
“Actions like this deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully and prevent the Olympic Movement from demonstrating the unifying power of sport,” the IOC Executive Board said on its official website on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
The committee reiterated that all eligible athletes, teams, and officials must be allowed to compete in international events without discrimination.
This principle, it said, is enshrined in the Olympic Charter, which upholds non-discrimination, autonomy, and political neutrality.
The IOC also advised all international sports federations against hosting championships or meetings in Indonesia until the government provides written guarantees ensuring that athletes from all nations can participate freely.
In addition, the IOC called on sports federations to include access guarantees for all athletes in future agreements for Olympic qualification tournaments.
The committee also summoned NOC Indonesia and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to its Lausanne headquarters to discuss the visa cancellation case.
“Ensuring free and unimpeded access for all participants is essential to upholding the Olympic values of inclusivity and fair competition,” the IOC said.
Government’s Response
Indonesia’s Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir defended the government’s decision, saying it was based on strong legal and constitutional grounds.
Erick said the visa cancellation was intended to maintain public order and national security, in line with Indonesia’s constitutional principles and its long-standing foreign policy stance in support of global peace.
“This step is consistent with our laws and regulations, as well as the 1945 Constitution, which upholds public order and security and mandates Indonesia’s contribution to world peace,” Erick said in Jakarta on Thursday.
He acknowledged that the move would have diplomatic and sporting consequences, noting that as long as Indonesia does not permit Israel’s participation, the IOC has ruled that the country will be ineligible to host world championships, the Olympic Games, Youth Olympics, or other IOC-sanctioned events.
Despite the setback, Erick reaffirmed that the government remains committed to advancing national sports development.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports continues to implement a long-term sports development blueprint, focusing on 17 priority sports and the establishment of national training centers.
“Indonesia will continue to participate in regional and global sporting events, from the Southeast Asian to the world level, as a reflection of our nation’s strength and character,” Erick said.
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