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≡ IOC RESPONDS TO INDONESIA ≡
The International Olympic Committee issued a detailed statement Friday on the refusal of the Indonesian government to allow Israeli athletes into the country to compete at the FIG World Artistic Championships in Jakarta.
The bottom line: the IOC made inquiries and nothing changed. The core of the statement included:
“It was with great concern that the IOC learnt that the Indonesian government has denied the Israeli gymnastics team, including athletes and officials, visas to enter the country for the upcoming 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. The championships are due to begin on 19 October 2025 and are to be held in Jakarta.
“The IOC’s principled position is very clear: all eligible athletes, teams and sports officials must be able to participate in international sports competitions and events without any form of discrimination from the host country, in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, autonomy and political neutrality that govern the Olympic Movement.
“It is therefore the direct responsibility of the host country, the organiser and the sports organisations directly concerned to make sure that this principle is fully respected and that all necessary assurances are provided by the relevant authorities of the host country in advance. This position has been reiterated by the IOC on numerous occasions over the years.
“As the IOC EB said in its statement in September: ‘The IOC is concerned by […] the restriction of access to host countries for athletes, and the boycotting and cancellation of competitions due to political tensions. These actions deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully and prevent the Olympic Movement from showing the power of sport.’
“Since the IOC became aware of the situation concerning the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, it has, on all levels, been in touch with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), the IOC Member in the country, the National Olympic Committee and the government of Indonesia to help facilitate a solution. Unfortunately, no resolution has been found.
“The IOC very much regrets the situation, especially after the remarkable step towards a peace agreement at the Peace Summit in Egypt, as witnessed by the President of Indonesia. The IOC EB will discuss the specific situation of Indonesia – for all stakeholders involved – at its next meeting. Sport must remain a safe space for athletes to fulfil their dreams; and athletes must not be held responsible for political decisions.”
It should be noted that the Indonesian IOC member is Erick Thohir, also the Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister, who came out in favor of the government’s refusal to allow Israel to compete. Further, the FIG President – Japan’s Morinari Watanabe – is also an IOC member.
Both failed to uphold the IOC’s stated principles in this situation.
The next Executive Board meeting is in December; the pressure is now on the IOC and new President Kirsty Coventry (ZIM) to react to a problem not of their making, but now a serious challenge to the concept of athlete access to competitions in line with the “political neutrality” of sport.
The Times of Israel reported on a 10 October news conference with Indonesian Olympic Committee president Raja Sapta Oktohar and Indonesian Gymnastics Federation president Ita Yuliati, writing:
“Raja Sapta Oktohari, head of the national Olympic committee, said Indonesia was ready to accept any consequences for blocking the Israeli athletes from competing.
“‘We will review the consequences after the event,’ he said.”
The Web site for the World Championships, reported Yuliati’s comments, trashing the FIG as well as Israel:
“This is an official FIG championship, and our role is to serve as the Local Organizing Committee. All decisions related to competition rules, registration, and participating countries are under the sole authority of FIG,” and
“FIG understands Indonesia’s position. This understanding is significant, as our federation consistently upholds national laws and prioritizes the safety of all athletes and delegations participating in the championship. Therefore, it is confirmed that Israel will not appear in this event.”
Oktohari said that safety was the predominant issue:
“The decision was made after careful consideration. There are greater interests at stake – namely ensuring that the world championship proceeds safely, orderly, and successfully for everyone involved.”
He added that he sees Indonesia’s organization of the gymnastics Worlds as the first of more major events in the country:
“The success of the World Gymnastics Championships will be an important stepping stone and will draw global attention to Indonesia’s ability to host international sports events in the future.”
That is not Israel’s view and likely not the IOC’s view, either.
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