IOC cuts ties with Indonesia after ban on Israeli athletes at gymnastics world championships
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has suspended all dialogue with Indonesia and urged international sports federations to halt events in the country after Israeli athletes were denied entry to the ongoing gymnastics world championships in Jakarta.
In a statement released Wednesday, the IOC’s executive board said Indonesia’s decision violated the Olympic Charter, which guarantees non-discrimination and the right of athletes to compete regardless of nationality. “These actions deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully and prevent the Olympic movement from showing the power of sport,” the IOC said.
The move follows a declaration earlier this month by Indonesian officials that Israeli athletes would not be granted visas to participate in the competition, which features 86 teams, including 2020 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel.
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said allowing Israeli participation would cause “deep emotional distress” for many Indonesians amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
The IOC emphasized that all eligible athletes, teams, and officials must be allowed to take part in international competitions “without any form of discrimination by the host country.” It said Indonesia would remain excluded from hosting any Olympic Games, Youth Olympic Games, or related events until it provides “adequate guarantees” that all athletes will be granted entry.
The committee also invited Indonesia’s Olympic committee to Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the matter further.
Indonesia’s Youth and Sport Minister Erick Thohir acknowledged the IOC’s decision, saying the government “understood the consequences” of blocking the Israeli delegation. He added that Indonesia would continue to engage actively in regional and global sporting events to showcase “the nation’s greatness in the eyes of the world.”
Indonesia, which had expressed interest in bidding for the 2036 Olympics, now faces uncertainty over its future role in global sports. The next Summer Olympics are scheduled for Los Angeles in 2028 and Brisbane in 2032.
This is not the first time Indonesia has faced repercussions over its refusal to host Israeli athletes. In 2023, FIFA stripped the country of its rights to host the Under-20 World Cup after similar political turmoil. Since barring Israel and Taiwan from the 1962 Asian Games, Indonesia has maintained a longstanding policy of excluding Israeli delegations from international events.
