An Indonesian sports official announced that his country has refused to issue visas to Israeli gymnasts, blocking them from participating in this month’s world championship in Jakarta over Gaza War, according to Reuters.
“They are confirmed to not be attending,” Ita Juliati, the Chief of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation, told reporters.
The Israeli gymnasts were set to take part in the World Artistic Gymnastics championship from October 19 to 25 in Indonesia, which has no formal diplomatic relations with Israel.
Meanwhile, the Israel Gymnastics Federation has not yet responded to a request for comment sent via email.
The decision was driven by Indonesia’s longstanding policy of having no ties with Israel until its government recognizes “the independence and full sovereignty of the state of Palestine”, according to Senior Legal Affairs Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra.
The Indonesian Gymnastics Federation has recently posted an Instagram post that drew hundreds of pro-Palestinian comments from local users.
This came after an Israeli association said the team would take part in the Jakarta event.
Notably, Indonesia has slightly softened its stance towards Israel under the government of President Prabowo Subianto.
Prabowo said that the international community should recognize an independent Palestine, but also guarantee the safety and security of Israel, during the United Nations General Assembly in September.
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