Idrus Marham Backs Jakarta Governor: A Matter of Principle and Dignity

JAKARTA - The former chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Youth Youth Communications Agency as well as the Advisor of the DPP BK PMI Idrus Marham expressed his full support for the steps taken by DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung who rejected the presence of Israeli athletes at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.

Idrus assessed that Pramono's decision was not a populist reaction, but a principled position that prioritized the dignity of the state, humanitarian solidarity, and consistency of Indonesian diplomacy. He emphasized that Indonesia should not obscure its foreign political stance, which from the start was in favor of Palestinian independence.

"As long as Israel has not recognized Palestine, we have no moral or diplomatic basis to act as normal," Idrus said in a statement in Jakarta, Thursday, October 10.

According to him, giving space for Israeli athletes in the midst of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza could be interpreted as weakening Indonesia's position in the eyes of the world. He stressed the importance of maintaining Indonesia's foreign commitment that recognition of Israel would only follow if they recognized the Palestinian state.

Idrus also reminded the Ministry of Youth and Sports as well as championship organizers to consider the strategic impact of this policy, both in terms of diplomacy, public reactions, and potential sanctions from international sports federations. He emphasized that this is not just a technical matter of sports, but concerns morals and foreign politics.

Pramono's previous firm stance has sparked public talks. He requested that visas for Israeli athletes not be issued.

"For me, the most important thing is that the visa doesn't just need to be issued, so you don't go to Jakarta. Because there are no benefits in conditions like this," said Pramono at DKI Jakarta City Hall.

Pramono assessed that the presence of Israeli athletes in the midst of the Gaza tragedy could trigger an emotional reaction from the public. "It will certainly generate public anger in conditions like this. The memory is still attached to all of us," he said.

The governor of DKI also mentioned President Prabowo Subianto's statement at the United Nations General Assembly as a clear basis for foreign politics. "The President's speech is clear. So it doesn't need to be translated anymore," said Pramono.

Previously, Prabowo said that Indonesia was ready to open diplomatic relations with Israel if the country recognized Palestinian independence. "We are ready to build diplomatic relations with Israel if the country recognizes Palestine legally," Prabowo said in an interview with Reuters in Paris, May 2025.

The statement, which was reiterated in his speech at the UN General Assembly, showed Indonesia's diplomatic balance: supporting peace between the two countries without sacrificing the principle of justice.

The rejection of the Israeli delegation is nothing new for Indonesia. In several previous international championships, Indonesia also rejected the presence of the Israeli team on the grounds of not having diplomatic relations.

Pramono's steps and support from Idrus Marham are considered to reinforce Indonesia's commitment to the struggle of the Palestinian people, as well as a reminder that the diplomacy of this nation remains based on the values of humanity and the constitution.

"This is not an act of intimidation, but a form of consistency. We must maintain the integrity of the nation in the midst of global pressure," concluded Idrus.