Indonesia has refused to grant visas to Israeli athletes ahead of the world championships in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country.
Published October 10, 2025
Gymnastics’ governing body gave a subdued response to Indonesia’s announcement that it would prevent Israeli athletes from competing in the next world championships in Jakarta.
“FIG notes the Indonesian government’s decision not to issue visas to the Israeli delegation registered for the 53rd FIG Gymnastics Competition to be held in Jakarta from October 19 to 25, and recognizes the challenges faced by the host country in organizing this competition,” it said in a brief statement on Friday.
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The statement did not threaten to take the event away from Indonesia, as stipulated in the FIG regulations if the organizer refuses to issue a visa.
FIG said, “We hope that an environment will be created as soon as possible where athletes around the world can enjoy sports safely and securely.”
Indonesia’s decision to deny visas to the Israeli team comes after their plans to participate sparked fierce opposition in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, which has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinians.
Israel is among the 86 countries registered to compete in the world championships, with 2020 Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgopyat attracting the team’s attention in the men’s floor exercise.
The Israel Gymnastics Federation announced in July that it had been assured by Indonesian authorities that it would be welcome at the world championships, but its participation is now in doubt. That would go against Indonesia’s long-standing policy of refusing to host Israeli sports delegations to major events.
On Thursday, Indonesia’s senior justice minister, Yusrulil Isa Mahendra, clarified that the Israeli team would not be allowed to enter the country, despite Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire.
“We respect every decision taken by the government based on various considerations,” Indonesian Olympic Committee President Raja Sapta Oktohari said at a press conference in Jakarta on Friday.
Indonesia Gymnastics Federation President Ita Yuriati said he had informed FIG president Morinari Watanabe about the decision, and insisted that “FIG has expressed its support.”
The gymnastics spat is the latest example of how the global backlash against Israel over the humanitarian toll of the Gaza war has spilled over into sports and culture.
Indonesia was stripped of its right to host the 2023 U-20 World Cup, just two months before the tournament was due to begin, amid political turmoil over Israel’s participation.
Instead of reprimanding Indonesia, FIFA awarded the country the right to host another Youth World Cup, which Israel did not qualify for, later that year.
Indonesian football was seen as benefiting from the close relationship between its leader Eric Tohir and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee.
