Tensions Rise Between IOC and Indonesia After Banning Israeli Gymnasts
Indonesia pledged on Thursday to take an “active role” in the global sports after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urged global federations to refrain from hosting events in Jakarta following its decision to bar Israeli gymnasts, according to France 24.
Mounting Tensions
The IOC’s Executive Board announced on Wednesday that it would “recommend all international federations not to host any sports events or meetings in Indonesia” until the country ensures access for all participants.
The board also revealed that it halted discussions with Indonesia over the possibility of hosting future Olympic events.
Cancelling Israeli Visas
This move came after Indonesia refused to issue visas to Israeli gymnasts, blocking them from participating in this month’s world championship in Jakarta over Gaza War.
In response, Israel’s gymnastics federation appealed against the ban before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but the court dismissed the appeal.
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.
“Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sports events at the Southeast Asian, Asian and global levels, so that Indonesian sports can serve as an ambassador and a reflection of the nation’s strength in the eyes of the world,” Sports and Youth Minister Erick Thohir wrote on X.
“We… adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order and public interest in every international event organized,” Thohir added.
The decision boosts Jakarta’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.
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