Israeli gymnasts refused entry for world championships in Jakarta

Visas denied for six athletes amid growing public attention on ongoing conflict in Gaza

- Arlina Arshad Indonesia Bureau Chief

Indonesia has once again refused entry to Israeli athletes, this time denying visas to six gymnasts scheduled to compete in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in the capital Jakarta later in October.

The decision highlights Jakarta's longstanding support for Palestinian rights and comes amid growing public attention on the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where violence has intensified in recent months. It follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East on Oct 9.

Mr Yusril Ihza Mahendra, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Correctional Institutions, said on Oct 9 that the directive to bar the athletes from participating in the competition, which will be held from Oct 19 to 25, came from President Prabowo Subianto.

He said the government's stance was consistent with the Indonesian leader's previous statements, including his speech at the United Nations in September, in which he “strongly condemned” Israel for “continuously committing atrocities and barbarity against the Palestinian people, especially in Gaza”.

Mr Yusril stressed that Indonesia would not establish diplomatic or other official relations with Israel until it recognised Palestine.

He said: “So the Indonesian government will not issue visas to Israeli athletes who intend to come to Jakarta.

“And the Indonesian government firmly holds the position that it will not have any contact with Israel until Israel recognises the existence of a free and sovereign Palestinian state. Only then will the Indonesian government begin to open diplomatic relations with Israel and also engage in other normal international relations.”