Indonesia Blocks Israeli Gymnasts from World Championships
On Thursday, Indonesia defended its decision to prevent Israeli gymnasts from competing in the world championships, stating that the ruling was necessary for security purposes. This decision has drawn criticism from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Sports Minister Eric Tohil acknowledged the implications of barring Israeli athletes from the gymnastics championships set to take place in the capital. He made it clear that the Indonesian government prioritizes safety, public order, and the general welfare during all international events.
Tohil emphasized that this stance is rooted in Indonesia’s constitution, which obligates the country to uphold global stability.
In response to the IOC’s recent statement urging international sports federations not to organize events in Indonesia, Tohil noted that this prohibition would affect any discussions about Indonesia potentially hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics. The IOC expressed concern, stating that such actions deny athletes the opportunity to compete and undermine the spirit of the Olympic movement.
Israel was among the 86 teams registered for the championships, with prominent athletes like Artem Dolgopyat, a world champion and Olympic gold medalist, on the roster.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anun remarked on the humanitarian crisis stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, asserting that the presence of the Israeli team could provoke significant psychological distress among Indonesians. It’s worth mentioning that Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has frequently blocked Israeli athletes from entry, pointing to governmental and religious opposition to Israel until it acknowledges a Palestinian state.
Despite the setback, Tohil indicated an understanding that such actions could impede Indonesia’s ability to host international sporting events under the Olympic framework. Nevertheless, he affirmed the country’s commitment to participating in both regional and global sports.
This isn’t the first time Indonesia has taken such a stance; the country has excluded Israeli delegations since the 1962 Asian Games. More recently, Indonesia withdrew from hosting the World Beach Games in July 2023 due to backlash against Israel’s involvement.
