Israel Is Confirmed To Be Absent At The 2025 Gymnastics World Championships In Jakarta

A press conference related to the rejection of the Israeli contingent was present at the World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta (VOI/Cosmas Kopong Beda).

JAKARTA The Executive Board of the Indonesian Gymnastics Association (PB Persani) has ensured that Israel will not participate in the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta this month.

PB Persani General Chair, Ita Yuliati, said that the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) had expressed their support for Indonesia's stance against the Israeli contingent.

"Alhamdulillah, until last night we were still communicating with FIG. Today's FIG officially stated by telephone to me that they support the decisions made by the Government in Indonesia," said Ita.

Ita further said that from the start it had reminded FIG of several countries that did not have diplomatic relations with Indonesia, one of which was Israel.

"With the clear current situation, it is a relief for us. We accept the prayers and support of all parties for organizing this event," he said.

The rejection of the presence of the Israeli contingent was voiced by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung, a number of politicians at the House of Representatives (DPR), and several national political elites.

The crowd rejected the presence of the Israeli artistic gymnastics contingent as a form of support for Palestine and condemned their genocide in Gaza.

So far, Indonesia has no diplomatic relations with Israel and is one of the countries with the largest Muslim population in the world to support Palestine.

This is not the first time Israeli athletes have been banned from entering Indonesia. Previously, Indonesia had to cancel hosting the 2023 U-20 World Cup because political elites refused their presence.

Long before that, the rejection of the Israeli delegation was also carried out by Indonesia when the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta. The consequences of this attitude made Indonesia prohibited from participating in the Tokyo 1964 Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

This year's 53rd edition of the World Gymnastics Championship will continue according to schedule on 19-25 October 2025 at the Indonesia Arena, Jakarta. Indonesia as the host also fielded athletes to compete.