What's happened
On October 22-23, 2025, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended all discussions with Indonesia over hosting future Olympic events after Indonesia denied visas to Israeli athletes for the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. The IOC demands guarantees that all athletes, regardless of nationality, can compete. Indonesia accepts the consequences but remains active in regional sports.
What's behind the headline?
IOC's Firm Stance on Non-Discrimination
The IOC's decision to halt dialogue with Indonesia underscores its commitment to the Olympic Charter's principles of non-discrimination and political neutrality. By demanding guarantees for all athletes' participation regardless of nationality, the IOC is reinforcing the idea that sports should transcend political conflicts.
Indonesia's Political and Religious Motivations
Indonesia's refusal to grant visas to Israeli athletes is deeply rooted in its political support for Palestine and domestic religious pressures, including objections from Islamic clerics. This reflects a broader geopolitical tension spilling into international sports.
Impact on Indonesia's Olympic Ambitions
Indonesia's hopes to host the 2036 Summer Olympics are effectively dashed unless it changes its policy. The IOC's recommendation to international federations to avoid Indonesia as a host further isolates the country in the global sports community.
Broader Geopolitical Implications
This episode highlights how international conflicts, such as the Israel-Palestine dispute, increasingly affect global sporting events. It also parallels other instances where politics have influenced sports, such as Russia's exclusion post-Ukraine invasion.
Forecast
Unless Indonesia offers assurances to the IOC, it will remain excluded from hosting major international sports events under the Olympic umbrella. This may pressure Indonesia to reconsider its stance or continue focusing on regional competitions. The IOC's insistence on athlete access sets a precedent for future host country evaluations.
What the papers say
Karolos Grohmann of The Independent reports that Indonesia's Sports Minister Erick Thohir acknowledged the IOC's suspension of talks, stating the decision aims to maintain public order and that Indonesia understands the consequences of denying Israeli athletes visas. The Times of Israel highlights the Israeli Olympic Committee head Yael Arad's praise for the IOC's firm stance against discrimination, noting the rejection of Israeli athletes' appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Al Jazeera emphasizes the IOC's strong language and its directive to the Indonesian Olympic Committee and International Gymnastics Federation to meet in Lausanne. The New Arab and South China Morning Post detail the CAS's rejection of Israel's appeal and Indonesia's history of excluding Israeli delegations since 1962. AP News and The Independent underline the IOC's condemnation of Indonesia's actions as depriving athletes of their right to compete peacefully. The Times of Israel provides context on Indonesia's political motivations and the aborted plans for President Prabowo Subianto's visit to Israel, reflecting domestic pushback. Together, these sources illustrate a consistent narrative: Indonesia's visa denial for Israeli athletes has led to significant international sports repercussions, with the IOC enforcing its principles to uphold inclusivity and non-discrimination in global sports.
How we got here
Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, has long refused to host Israeli athletes, citing support for Palestine and no formal diplomatic ties with Israel. This stance led to visa denials for Israeli gymnasts at the October 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Previous incidents include losing hosting rights for the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and withdrawing from the 2023 ANOC World Beach Games due to Israel's participation.
Go deeper
- Why did Indonesia deny visas to Israeli athletes?
- What is the IOC's policy on athlete participation?
- How does this affect Indonesia's Olympic hosting chances?
Common question
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Why Are Israeli Gymnasts Being Blocked from International Competitions?
Israeli gymnasts are currently facing a major obstacle: being denied visas to compete in international events like the upcoming world championships in Jakarta. This situation raises questions about how geopolitical tensions influence sports and what it means for athletes worldwide. Below, we explore the reasons behind these visa bans, their impact on international sports, and what the future might hold for Israeli athletes competing abroad.
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Why Were Israeli Gymnasts Denied Visas in Indonesia?
The recent decision to bar Israeli gymnasts from competing in Indonesia has sparked international debate. This move highlights how politics can influence sports, especially when diplomatic relations are strained. Many wonder how such decisions are made, what the implications are for athletes, and how organizations like the IOC respond. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial issue and what it means for the future of international sports competitions.
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Why Were Israeli Gymnasts Denied Visas to Indonesia?
The recent decision to deny visas to Israeli gymnasts attending the world championships in Jakarta has sparked international concern. This move highlights how political tensions, especially related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, can impact sports and international relations. Many are asking what this means for athletes, global competitions, and the role of organizations like the IOC in navigating these sensitive issues. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversy and what it signifies for the future of international sports.
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Why Did the IOC Suspend Talks with Indonesia Over Israeli Gymnasts?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently suspended its dialogue with Indonesia after the country refused visas to Israeli gymnasts, citing support for Palestinians. This move highlights the complex intersection of politics and sports, raising questions about how international relations impact athletic events. Below, we explore the reasons behind the IOC's decision, the controversy surrounding Israeli athletes, and what this means for future international competitions.
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Why Did the IOC Suspend Talks with Indonesia Over the Olympics?
Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suspended discussions with Indonesia after the country denied visas to Israeli athletes. This move has sparked questions about the reasons behind the suspension, its impact on international sports, and what it means for Indonesia's future Olympic plans. Below, we explore the key issues and what they mean for global sports diplomacy.
More on these topics
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
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The International Olympic Committee is a non-governmental sports organisation based in Lausanne, Switzerland. Founded by Pierre de Coubertin and Demetrios Vikelas in 1894, it is the authority responsible for organising the modern Summer and Winter Olympic
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The Court of Arbitration for Sport is an international body established in 1984 to settle disputes related to sport through arbitration. Its headquarters are in Lausanne and its courts are located in New York City, Sydney and Lausanne. Temporary courts ar
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Yusril Ihza Mahendra (born 5 February 1956) is an Indonesian lawyer, politician and academic, who served as the leader of the Crescent Star Party (PBB) from 2015 to 2024. He is the current Coordinating Minister for Legal, Human Rights, Immigration, and...
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Artem Olegovich Dolgopyat is a Ukrainian-born Israeli artistic gymnast. Dolgopyat won the gold medal at the 2020 European Championships in the floor exercise and sliver medals at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships of that exercise.
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Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician, businessman and former Army lieutenant General who is the currently-appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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Erick Thohir is an Indonesian politician and businessman. He is the founder and chairman of Mahaka Group, a holding company which focuses on media and entertainment. He was also the owner of Inter Milan and D.C.
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The International Gymnastics Federation is the governing body of competitive gymnastics. Its headquarters is in Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Yael Arad is an Israeli judoka. She was the first Israeli to win an Olympic medal. She is widely recognized as one of Israel's most successful athletes and is credited with bringing judo into the athletic mainstream.