JAKARTA: Indonesia has denied visas to Israeli gymnasts, effectively barring them from participating in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championship scheduled in Jakarta from October 19 to 25, a senior sports official confirmed on Friday.
The decision comes amid widespread anger in Indonesia—the world’s largest Muslim-majority country—over Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 67,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to Gaza health authorities.
“They are confirmed to not be attending,”
said Ita Juliati, chief of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation, while speaking to reporters.
Indonesia’s Legal Affairs Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government’s decision to deny visas was consistent with its long-standing policy of not maintaining formal ties with Israel until it recognizes “the independence and full sovereignty of the state of Palestine.”
He added that the move followed strong objections from groups including the Council of Islamic Clerics and the Jakarta city government.
The Israel Gymnastics Federation did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Indonesia has been one of the most vocal supporters of the Palestinian cause, with repeated mass rallies and official condemnations of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The latest Israeli assault began in October 2023, after Hamas-led fighters attacked Israeli towns and a music festival, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, prompting a massive and ongoing military response by Israel.
