IOC bars Indonesia from hosting sports events after visa ban on Israeli athletes

Jakarta: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has called on global sports federations to halt all sporting events in Indonesia following the country’s decision to deny visas to Israeli gymnasts participating in the ongoing Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.

The IOC’s executive board issued a statement on Wednesday, saying it has recommended that international sports bodies refrain from holding events in Indonesia until the government guarantees equal participation rights for athletes of all nationalities.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, refused entry to Israeli gymnasts earlier this month, citing the need to “maintain public order.” Officials said the decision was consistent with the country’s long-standing foreign policy, which does not recognise Israel and supports Palestinian independence.

“We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order, and the public interest in hosting every international event,”
— Erick Thohir, Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports

Thohir acknowledged that Indonesia understood the consequences of its decision, noting that as long as Indonesia could not accept Israel’s presence, it would be barred from hosting IOC-sanctioned events.

The IOC said it was also suspending discussions with Indonesia regarding any future Olympic Games bid, including its long-anticipated ambition to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.

“The IOC has decided that Indonesia cannot host world championships, Olympic events, Youth Olympic Games, or other activities under the Olympic umbrella,” Thohir said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

In response, the IOC announced plans to revise qualification principles for upcoming Olympic Games to ensure athletes from all countries have access to qualifying events, regardless of political disputes or visa restrictions.

The IOC also ordered the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to attend a meeting at IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the matter. The meeting date has not yet been announced.