Indonesia defends decision to ban Israel gymnasts after IOC statement

The IOC’s decision comes after Indonesia denied visas to Israeli gymnasts earlier this month

Erick Thohir, Chairman of Football Association of Indonesia, insists the country is willing to accept the consequences of banning Israel's gymnasts from events (Getty Images)

Indonesia is willing to accept the consequences of banning Israel’s gymnasts from participating in a world championship event in Jakarta.

Erick Thohir, the Minister of Youth and Sports, claims the decision is designed to maintain public order after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) called for all international sporting federations to reject Indonesia as a host for major sporting events.

The committee also confirmed that any discussions over a potential Olympic bid by Indonesia have been suspended, with the country linked to a potential bid for the 2036 summer games.

The IOC maintains that the resumption of talks will only take place if they receive assurances that all athletes, irrespective of nationality, will be eligible to compete there in future.

"We adhere to the principle of maintaining security, public order, and the public interest in hosting every international event," Thohir, the former Inter Milan chairman, said on his social media account after the Israel Gymnastics Federation called Indonesia’s decision both shocking and heartbreaking.

The IOC will change its qualification principles to seek guarantees over access of all athletes, no matter their nationality, for both qualification events or the Olympic Games.

While the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) have been called to attend a meeting at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne.

Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim-majority country, rejected visas for Israeli athletes after objections from the government as well as its council of Islamic clerics.

Jakarta said the move was in line with Indonesia's policy of cutting ties with Israel until it recognises the independence of the state of Palestine.

Indonesia denied visas to Israeli gymnasts earlier this month amid an outcry over Israel's military offensive in Gaza (AFP via Getty Images)

Thohir said Indonesia understands that as long as it declines to accept Israeli athletes, it would not be allowed to host any world championships, Olympic and Youth Olympic events or other sporting events under the Olympic umbrella.

However, Indonesia is committed to continue playing an active role in various regional and international sporting events, he added.