The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to advise all international sports federations not to hold events in Indonesia following the country’s ban on Israeli athletes at the ongoing World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.

Background: Israeli Gymnasts Barred

Indonesia refused to grant visas to the Israeli team, citing the country’s military offensive in Gaza. Among the athletes affected is Artem Dolgopyat, the two-time Olympic floor medallist and defending world champion. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation (IGF) condemned the move as a “dangerous precedent” and criticised the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) for failing to intervene.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the IGF’s request for urgent provisional measures to guarantee Israeli participation or relocate the event.

IOC Response

In response, the IOC executive board has:

• Ended dialogue with the National Olympic Committee of Indonesia regarding hosting future Olympic or Youth Olympic events, Olympic conferences, or competitions.
• Announced the ban will remain until Indonesia provides “adequate guarantees” that all athletes, regardless of nationality, can participate.
• Recommended to all international federations not to host events or meetings in Indonesia.

The IOC also invited Indonesia’s Olympic committee and FIG officials to Lausanne headquarters to discuss the situation.

“The IOC reminded all stakeholders of the importance of free and unfettered access for all participants to attend international competitions without restrictions,” the board said.

Indonesia’s Position

Indonesia’s sports and youth minister, Erick Thohir, acknowledged the consequences but insisted the country would continue its “active role” in global sports:

“We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order and public interest in every international event organised. Indonesian sports can serve as an ambassador and a reflection of the nation’s strength in the eyes of the world.”

Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, has no formal diplomatic ties with Israel. The IGF had reportedly been given assurances that its delegation would be welcome at the championships.