October 10, 2025 | 06:31 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian government will not grant visas to Israeli gymnasts who are scheduled to compete in the world championship in Jakarta.
"The government's stance on Israel is firm and consistent," said Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra in a video statement received in Jakarta on Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Jakarta is set to host the world artistic gymnastics championship from October 19 to 25. According to Yusril, as reported by Israeli media, six of their athletes are planned to attend. "(The government) will not grant visas," Yusril stated.
Yusril stated that this decision is in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directives. During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Prabowo declared that Indonesia will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until Israel recognizes the independence of Palestine.
Additionally, the government's stance aligns with public expectations. Yusril mentioned that the government has taken note of strong opposition from various religious societal organizations, local governments, and political parties regarding the planned visit of Israeli athletes to Jakarta.
Furthermore, Yusril mentioned that the government's decision not to grant visas to Israeli athletes has been coordinated with ministries under the coordination of the Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections. He also admitted to discussing this with Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto.
"He explained that there was indeed a sponsorship letter from the artistic gymnastics federation, but because they are also aware of the Indonesian government's stance of refusing to grant visas to Israeli athletes, the artistic gymnastics federation has also withdrawn the earlier sponsorship letter they submitted," Yusril said.
Previously, the Governor of Jakarta, Pramono Anung Wibowo, stated that they would not allow the presence of Israeli athletes. Pramono also hoped that the government and organizations would reconsider inviting athletes from Israel.
"Regarding the Israeli athletes, as Governor, in a situation like this, I certainly would not permit it," Pramono said at Jakarta City Hall on Wednesday.
Deputy Chair of the Indonesian Parliament International Commission, Sukamta, also urged the government to take a firm stance regarding the participation of Israeli athletes in the event.
He stated that allowing Israeli athletes to compete on Indonesian soil not only has the potential to create public controversy but also goes against the constitutional mandate that rejects any form of colonization.
"The government must demonstrate Indonesia's free and active foreign policy, siding with humanity and in line with the constitutional mandate. Let's make sure we don't have another lapse in the participation of Israel in international sports events," Sukamta said.
Editor's Choice: Hosting Israeli Athletes in Jakarta Will Provoke Public Outrage, Says Governor Pramono
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