From Fox News: Indonesian Minister of Sport Erick Thohir has responded to the recent global backlash and the consequences of denying visas to the Israeli national gymnastics team for the world championships in Jakarta.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended this week that no international sporting events be held in Indonesia, adding it is ending any discussions with the country about hosting the Olympics in the future after the decision to bar Team Israel.
Thohir defended his country’s decision in a statement Thursday.
“We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order and the public interest in hosting every international event,” Thohir said.
The report explains that Indonesia is the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world, and is also a strong supporter of Palestinians.
“This is indeed part of maintaining our nation’s dignity, in line with the 1945 constitution,” Thohir declared during a press conference on Friday. “We must be an independent nation, but, at the same time, we must also be a nation that maintains global security. This is something that is still under discussion.”
Morinari Watanabe, the president of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), agreed with the IOC’s decision, saying, “Sports is separate from politics. All athletes have an equal right to participate in the sports event. The IOC and FIG must protect that right. This is for the Olympic charter we are writing.”
The IOC Executive Board takes measures to protect access for all athletes to countries hosting international competitions.
The EB met remotely this week and decided the following:
🔗📖 https://t.co/kEOL9uRjjt pic.twitter.com/coxJgdHqrI
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) October 22, 2025
🚨 CANCELED: Indonesia bans Israeli athletes. Loses shot at hosting Olympics.
Jakarta blocked Israeli gymnasts, calling it a matter of “public order.”
The IOC hit back, freezing Indonesia’s 2036 Olympic bid.Stay connected, follow @MOSSADil. pic.twitter.com/oHox7FoWsN
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) October 24, 2025
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