October 25, 2025 | 08:58 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Secretary General of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI), Lukman Djajadikusuma, asserts that the sanctions imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not diminish opportunities for Indonesian athletes to compete in major international sports events.
Lukman believes the IOC's decision, which followed the rejection of visas for the Israeli contingent at the recent Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, will not affect the rights of Indonesian athletes to participate in global competitions such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics.
"Our athletes are still free to compete, whether it's at the SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics, or single events. What is prohibited is Indonesia hosting international events. However, our athletes' participation remains permitted," Lukman told journalists in Solo on Friday, October 24, 2025, after the opening of the National Coordination Meeting of the KONI Forum.
The IOC recently decided to halt all dialogue with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Indonesia regarding the planning of the Olympic Games or other international sports events under the Olympic umbrella. This measure was taken after Indonesia canceled the visas for the Israeli gymnastics contingent scheduled to participate in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta from October 19–25, 2025.
Lukman acknowledged the non-discrimination principle but stressed the uniqueness of Indonesia's situation. "We are aware that there should be no discrimination against anyone. There are indeed regulations. But this is a different situation, and there is a lot of international support for Indonesia's stance as well," he explained.
Despite the sanctions, Lukman remains optimistic that the IOC's decision can be reviewed. He is confident that many in the international community understand Indonesia's position on the issue.
"I am confident that the international community also understands Indonesia's situation. Indeed, according to the IOC rules, there should be no discrimination against anyone, but the situation is now different. Many countries also support Indonesia's stance," he reiterated.
He added that several representatives of Indonesian sports bodies have been invited to the IOC headquarters in Switzerland to discuss the matter directly. Lukman expressed hope that the dialogue will yield a favorable resolution without compromising Indonesia's position in the global sports arena.
"We are confident that the decision can be changed because the situation is truly different from typical discrimination cases. The international community also shares similar views with us. I believe a good solution will be reached," he concluded.
Editor's Choice: IOC Ban Won't Deter Indonesia from Sending Athletes Overseas, Says Sports Minister
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
IOC Ban Won't Deter Indonesia from Sending Athletes Overseas, Says Sports Minister
9 jam lalu
IOC urges international sports federations not to hold events in Indonesia.
Israel Freezes Bill on West Bank Annexation After US Criticism
14 jam lalu
Israel's decision to freeze a bill regarding the annexation plan of the occupied West Bank, strongly condemned by Trump.
Trump Warns: US Won't Back Israel If It Abandons Gaza Deal and Annexes West Bank
18 jam lalu
President Donald Trump asserts that Israel will lose all support from the United States if it annexes the West Bank and sabotages the ceasefire deal in Gaza.
UN Human Rights Chief Urges Israel to Comply with ICJ Gaza Ruling
19 jam lalu
The ICJ decision underscores that residents of Gaza and the entire occupied Palestinian territory must have access to basic needs.
Hamas and Fatah Negotiate Gaza's Future in Cairo Dialogue
21 jam lalu
Delegations from Hamas and Fatah are currently meeting in Cairo, Egypt, to discuss post-war arrangements in the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Parliament Approves Preliminary Bill to Annex West Bank
1 hari lalu
Parliament of Israel has approved the discussion of the West Bank Occupation Bill. The annexation of the West Bank makes the two-state solution increasingly distant.
Indonesia Barred from Hosting Global Sports Events Over Israeli Gymnasts' Visa Denial
1 hari lalu
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended all talks with Indonesia on hosting future Olympic or international events.
ICJ Orders Israel to Allow Humanitarian Aid into Gaza
1 hari lalu
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel is legally obligated to ensure the basic needs of Gaza residents are met.
Indonesia Has Strong Grounds for Denying Visas to Israeli Gymnastics Team, Says Minister
1 hari lalu
The Minister of Youth and Sports explains the basis for the cancellation of visas for the Israeli gymnastics contingent that was set to participate in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Jakarta.
Qatar Condemns Israel for Repeated Ceasefire Violations in Gaza
2 hari lalu
Qatar condemns Israel's repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and considers the attack on Doha to be an act of state terrorism.
