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≡ INDONESIA MEETS IOC ≡
Following the brazen refusal of the Indonesian government to allow Israeli athletes into the country for the just-concluded FIG World Artistic Championships in Jakarta, the International Olympic Committee asked representatives of the Indonesian National Olympic Committee to discuss the situation in Lausanne (SUI).
That meeting was on Tuesday afternoon, with Indonesian NOC chief Raja Sapta Oktohari and four members of the NOC’s Executive Committee. Oktohari told Indonesian media that everything went fine:
“Our diplomacy with the IOC went very well and the results were positive. We provided a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, both in gymnastics and in Indonesia in general. From this meeting, we gained a breath of fresh air and a positive meeting point to continue the dialogue constructively.
“Essentially, we have succeeded in improving communication channels with the IOC. They understand Indonesia’s position, and we also understand the IOC’s responsibility to uphold the principle of non-discrimination. Now the focus is no longer on the problems that occurred yesterday, but how we move forward, today and tomorrow, to build a joint solution.”
Oktohari essentially doubled down on the Indonesian government’s action against Israel, in polite, diplomatic language:
“It should also be emphasized that the Indonesian government’s stance reflects the stance of the Indonesian nation. We continue to uphold the values of sportsmanship, we support and uphold the Olympic Charter, but we also want and will always advocate for world peace.
“Communication and transparency will always be the keys to success. Because this is not yet complete, it is still a process towards success.
“We also explained that the Indonesian government’s stance is not just about sport, but also about maintaining and ensuring the safety of all parties involved. This stance also upholds and supports the Olympic Charter and serves as the basis for advocating for world peace.”
Oktohari says he hopes for the best for the future:
“We want this momentum to be a new beginning in strengthening global trust in Indonesia. Good communication, an open attitude, and constructive diplomacy are our path to sustainable solutions.”
The IOC did not make any statement about the meeting on Tuesday. In its unhappy declaration of 22 October, the IOC said it has ended discussions about future Olympic events being held in Indonesia and asked the International Federations to do the same.
It also asked the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique to come to Lausanne to explain its position of meek acquiescence to the Indonesia ban of the already-registered Israeli team.
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