Golkar: Rejection Of Israeli Athletes Is A Principle Of Prioritizing State Dignity

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairperson of the Golkar Party, Idrus Marham, assessed that the rejection of Israeli athletes by the Governor of DKI Jakarta, Pramono Anung, was a principled position that prioritized the dignity of the state, humanitarian solidarity, and consistency of Indonesian diplomacy, so that it was not a populist reaction.

According to him, Indonesia should not obscure the political stance of foreign countries, which since the beginning 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," said Idrus in a statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Saturday, October 11.

Therefore, he expressed full support for the move to reject the presence of Israeli athletes at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.

He stressed that giving Israeli athletes space in the midst of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza could be interpreted as weakening Indonesia's position in the eyes of the world.

Therefore, Idrus reminded Indonesia to be firm in maintaining its foreign commitment that recognition of Israel would only follow if they recognized the Palestinian state.

He also emphasized that the Ministry of Youth and Sports and championship organizers should consider the strategic impact of the policy, both in terms of diplomacy, public reactions, and potential sanctions from international sports federations.

"This is not just a sports technicality. It concerns morals and foreign politics," he said.

Idrus argues that 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.

Thus, this rejection step is 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," said the Advisor to the Central Leadership Council of the Indonesian Mosque Youth Communications Agency (DPP BK PMI).

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 need to be issued, so you don't go to Jakarta. Because there are no benefits in conditions like this," said Pramono some time ago.

Pramono assessed that the presence of Israeli athletes in the midst of the Gaza tragedy could trigger an emotional reaction from the public because the memory of Israel's behavior is still attached to all parties.

The Governor of DKI also mentioned President Ri Prabowo Subianto's statement at the United Nations General Assembly (UN) as a clear basis for foreign politics.

"The President's speech is clear. So it doesn't need to be translated anymore," he said.

Previously, the President 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 reaffirmed in his speech at the UN General Assembly, showed Indonesia's diplomatic balance, namely supporting the peace of the two countries without sacrificing the principle of justice.