The International Olympic Committee (IOC) voiced its deep concern on Friday over the Indonesian government’s decision to deny visas to athletes scheduled to compete in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, set to take place from October 19 to 25. The IOC expressed regret that attempts to overturn the decision had been unsuccessful.
In an official statement, the IOC said it had received the news with “great concern,” following comments from Indonesia’s Justice Minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who announced last week that “the government will not grant visas to Israeli gymnasts who intend to attend the Championships.” His statement came amid mounting domestic pressure from political figures and moderate religious groups calling for Israel’s exclusion in protest against its ongoing military actions in Gaza.
The IOC underscored that non-discrimination is a core value of the Olympic Movement, emphasising that sport must remain a unifying force amid global conflict and division.
“In a world shaken by conflict and division, the International Olympic Committee stands firm in its belief that sport must remain a beacon of hope — a force that brings the world together in peaceful competition,” the organisation stated, reaffirming its commitment to keeping sport a space for unity and inclusion.
Reiterating the principles enshrined in the Olympic Charter, the IOC stressed that all eligible athletes, teams, and officials must be allowed to participate in international sporting events without discrimination from host nations. The statement also reminded organisers and authorities of their obligation to uphold these values, ensuring that such guarantees are provided in advance.
“It is the direct responsibility of the host country, the organiser, and the relevant sports bodies to ensure that this principle is fully respected,” the IOC declared, noting that it has repeatedly reinforced this position over the years.
In its declaration, the committee also cited a pronouncement by its executive board last September, warning of the consequences of the political landscape on sport. “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,” the organisation recalled.
The diplomatic dispute arose after the Indonesian government denied visas to the Israeli delegation, including athletes and officials, preventing them from competing in the world event. Since becoming aware of the situation, the IOC said it had maintained contacts ‘on all levels’ with the International Gymnastics Federation, the IOC member in Indonesia, the national Olympic committee and the government itself in an attempt to facilitate a solution. “Unfortunately, no resolution has been found,” the body admitted.
The IOC stressed that the situation is particularly regrettable “especially after the remarkable step towards a peace agreement at the Peace Summit in Egypt, as witnessed by the president of Indonesia.” The statement concluded by reaffirming the conviction that sport must remain a ‘safe space’ for athletes, who “should not be held responsible for political decisions.” The executive board will discuss Indonesia’s specific situation, for all stakeholders, at its next meeting.
Meanwhile, Israel confirmed this week that it will not participate in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta after being denied visas, describing the decision as ‘shocking and heartbreaking.’ The Israeli Gymnastics Federation expressed its frustration, while the IOC lamented that its ‘intense efforts’ to find a solution had failed.
According to Reuters, minister Ihza supported the measure based on opinions from groups such as a council of Islamic clerics and the Jakarta government. The Gaza genocide has faced strong criticism in the Asian country, even after the recent ceasefire came into effect.
