Indonesia To Bar Israeli Athletes From World Gymnastics Championships

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- Indonesia will not issue visas to Israeli athletes seeking to take part in the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, due to be held in Jakarta from Oct 19 to 25.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the decision was in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s long-standing stance on Israel and Palestine.

“In his recent address to the United Nations General Assembly, the president delivered a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing acts of cruelty and inhumanity against the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza,” Yusril said in a statement on Thursday.

He said Indonesia remains firm in its position of not engaging in any contact with Israel until the country recognises the existence of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung earlier said he would not allow Israeli athletes to compete at the championships, which will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex in Central Jakarta.

He urged organisers to evaluate carefully before inviting Israeli participants, warning that their presence could spark anger among Indonesians, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation.

Major Islamic organisations, including Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), have also voiced opposition, saying the move would contradict Indonesia’s principles of justice and independence.

The event will mark the first time the championships are held in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

-- BERNAMA