By Sergio V. Rodriguez
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called on global sports federations to suspend all sporting events in Indonesia after the country barred Israeli athletes from participating in the ongoing Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta — a decision the Indonesian government defended as necessary to “maintain public order.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the IOC’s executive board said it had recommended that international sports bodies halt all competitions in Indonesia, citing the government’s refusal to issue visas to Israeli gymnasts earlier this month. The ban came amid mounting global outrage over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which Indonesia has described as “genocidal.”
Jakarta justified its decision by invoking long-standing national policy: Indonesia does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel and has pledged not to engage until Tel Aviv recognises an independent Palestinian state.
IOC suspends talks over Indonesia’s Olympic ambitions
The IOC’s statement went further, announcing that it had suspended all discussions regarding Indonesia’s potential bid for the Olympic Games, pending guarantees that athletes of every nationality would be allowed to compete freely.
“Until assurances are received from the Indonesian government that all athletes, regardless of nationality, can participate in international events, no further talks on future Olympic hosting will take place,” the IOC said.
The move effectively dashes Indonesia’s hopes of hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, a goal that President Joko Widodo’s administration had actively pursued in recent years.
Indonesia defends its stance
In response, Sports Minister Erick Thohir acknowledged that Indonesia was aware of the consequences of its decision but insisted that it had been taken in the interest of national stability.
“Indonesia understands the consequences of this decision,” Thohir wrote on social media platform X. “We adhere to the principles of maintaining security, public order, and the public interest in hosting international events.”
He said these principles stem from Indonesia’s constitution and its broader obligation to “maintain world order,” adding: “As long as Indonesia cannot accept the presence of Israel, the IOC has decided that we cannot host world championships, Olympic events, Youth Olympic Games, or any other activity under the Olympic umbrella.”
IOC to review qualification rules
The IOC said it would adjust Olympic qualification rules to ensure that all athletes, regardless of nationality, are guaranteed access to events leading to the Games. It also directed the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to attend a meeting at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to address the issue.
The IOC did not specify a date for the meeting but made clear that compliance with non-discrimination principles is a core Olympic value.
Legal appeals rejected
The controversy began earlier this month when Indonesia denied visas to Israeli gymnasts scheduled to compete at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, which opened on Sunday in Jakarta. The Israel Gymnastics Federation appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking permission for its athletes to participate.
However, CAS rejected the appeal last week, ruling that the International Gymnastics Federation had not violated its statutes. The court also dismissed Israel’s request to compel the FIG to either guarantee its participation or relocate the event from Indonesia.
Israel had further asked CAS to invalidate the FIG’s acceptance of the Indonesian government’s visa decision, but that appeal, too, was rejected on October 14.
FIG under scrutiny
Although the FIG’s statutes allow for events to be relocated if a host country refuses entry to athletes, the federation chose not to strip Indonesia of hosting rights. The decision has drawn criticism from several international observers who say the federation failed to enforce its own rules.
Diplomatic fallout
Indonesia’s exclusion from hosting future Olympic-related events marks one of the strongest rebukes yet by the IOC toward a member country over issues of political discrimination.
While Jakarta has stood firm on its position regarding Israel, the decision could have far-reaching implications for its reputation as a global sports host. Indonesia has recently staged several major competitions, including the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and Asian Games events, and had positioned itself as an emerging hub for international sport in Southeast Asia.
For now, however, the IOC’s ruling places those ambitions on hold — leaving Indonesia’s Olympic dreams suspended indefinitely.
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