Consistently Defending Palestine, Government Bans Israeli Athletes From Entering Indonesia

Visa illustration (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian government has confirmed that it will not grant visas to six Israeli athletes who are reported to be participating in the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta. This was conveyed by the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra.

In a video statement quoted on Thursday, October 9, Yusril confirmed that no Israeli athletes will compete in the tournament which is scheduled to take place from 19-25 October 2025. He emphasized that the decision was a form of consistency in Indonesia's attitude in supporting Palestinian independence.

Yusril quoted President Prabowo Subianto's speech at the United Nations General Assembly (UN) recently, which confirmed that Indonesia would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel before the Palestinian people actually gained their freedom and independence.

He explained that the decision to refuse the issuance of visas for Israeli athletes was also a precautionary step for the government in responding to pressure from various parties, including religious organizations, local governments, and political parties.

This policy, said Yusril, has been coordinated with relevant officials, including the Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto, who previously confirmed that an international gymnastics federation had sent a sponsorship letter to facilitate visa applications for Israeli athletes.

"The Federation has finally withdrawn its sponsorship letter after understanding Indonesia's attitude which tends to reject visa applications from Israeli athletes," Yusril explained.

Although Yusril did not mention the names of the federation specifically, the context suggests that what is meant is probably the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the official organizer of the world championship.

The day before, Wednesday, October 8, DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo also emphasized his rejection of the presence of Israeli athletes in the capital. "As governor, I certainly will not allow Israeli athletes to come here," he said, while asking the central government and related parties to respond wisely to this issue.

On the same day, Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sukamta, urged the government to take a firm stance on Israel's plans to participate.

"The government must uphold active free foreign politics that prioritizes human values and is in line with the principles of our constitution. Indonesia must not allow Israel to participate in international sporting events," he stressed.