Indonesia responds to Olympic consequences for barring Israeli gymnasts from world championships

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Indonesian Minister of Sport Erick Thohir has responded to the recent global backlash and the consequences of denying visas to the Israeli national gymnastics team for the world championships in Jakarta. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recommended this week that no international sporting events be held in Indonesia, adding it is ending any discussions with the country about hosting the Olympics in the future after the decision to bar Team Israel. 

Thohir defended his country's decision in a statement Thursday. 

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Indonesia Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir addresses a press conference at his office in Jakarta Oct. 24, 2025. (Aditya Irawan/AFP)

"We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order and the public interest in hosting every international event," Thohir said.

During a press conference Friday, Thohir gave a more elaborate response. 

"This is indeed part of maintaining our nation's dignity, in line with the 1945 constitution," he said, via Indonesian outlet Detikcom. "We must be an independent nation, but, at the same time, we must also be a nation that maintains global security. … This is something that is still under discussion."

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation and has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians. The scheduled participation of Israeli athletes had sparked intense opposition within the country.

Indonesia was previously stripped of its right to host football's under-20 World