Member Of The House Of Representatives Fikri Faqih Calls Rejecting Israeli Athletes Not Politics But The Mandate Of The Indonesian Constitution

Member of Commission X DPR RI Abdul Fikri Faqih. BETWEEN/HO-Humas DPR RI.

JAKARTA - Member of Commission X DPR RI Abdul Fikri Faqih assessed that Indonesia's attitude in rejecting the participation of Israeli athletes in the 2025 Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta is a consistent and constitutional step that must be maintained.

"We must support the President's statement at the 80th UN General Assembly. He is very tough on Israel and has not been able to open diplomatic relations," said Fikri in Jakarta, Antara, Friday, October 24.

Fikri made this statement in response to the appeal of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) so that international sports federations do not hold sporting events in Indonesia. The appeal came after the government canceled the visa of the Israeli gymnastics contingent some time ago.

Fikri explained, from the DPR's perspective, the government's decision is part of foreign political policies that are in line with the mandate of the constitution and the aspirations of the people.

"The Indonesian people are very sensitive to the Israeli issue. As long as Israel does not want to recognize Palestine, Indonesia will also not recognize Israel," said the legislator from the Central Java IX Election Area (Tegal City, Tegal Regency, and Brebes Regency).

He considered that if Israel was allowed to compete in the country, it could potentially lead to massive opposition from the public and disrupt the conduciveness of organizing events.

Fikri also accused the existence of a double standard from the IOC, which was considered inconsistent in responding to international violations by other countries.

"The IOC is a hypocritic. They used to suspend Russia due to an invasion, but against Israel it was different," he said.

According to him, sanctions from the IOC should not make Indonesia resign in defending Palestinian independence. He believes that even though he loses the opportunity to host an international event, national sports achievements will not be disrupted.

"The President's directive to remain consistently fully supported by the ranks of ministers. The Indonesian Olympic Committee should focus on 17 leading sports prepared for the Olympics," said Fikri.

Previously, Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir emphasized that the cancellation of the Israeli contingent visa was carried out based on the laws and principles of the 1945 Constitution, especially in maintaining security, public order, and implementing world order.

Erick understands that this decision has consequences in the form of eliminating Indonesia from the list of hosts of a number of international sporting events. However, the government remains committed to continuing the blueprint for national sports development, including strengthening the leading sport and developing the training center for the national team.