he International Olympic Committee (IOC) has taken a firm stance against Indonesia after the country barred Israeli athletes from participating in a major international gymnastics event. On Wednesday, the IOC urged all international sports federations not to host any sporting events in Indonesia until the government guarantees equal access for athletes of all nationalities.
The move follows Indonesia’s decision to deny visas to Israeli gymnasts competing at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships currently underway in Jakarta. The exclusion, widely condemned by international sports bodies, has not only sparked diplomatic controversy but also jeopardized Indonesia’s long-standing ambitions to host the 2036 Summer Olympic Games.
In a strongly worded statement, the IOC said it was “suspending all discussions” with Indonesia regarding any future Olympic bid until the government offers explicit assurances that no athlete will be discriminated against on the basis of nationality.
“The fundamental principles of the Olympic Movement require that all athletes must be allowed to participate in international competitions without discrimination,” the IOC said.
Olympic Dream in Doubt
Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, has repeatedly expressed its desire to host the 2036 Olympics, positioning itself as a rising player in global sports. However, Wednesday’s IOC decision has effectively derailed those ambitions.
The government’s refusal to allow Israeli athletes into the country was reportedly driven by political and religious objections. Senior Legal Affairs Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra cited both official resistance within the government and pressure from influential religious groups, including a national council of Islamic clerics.
The decision drew outrage from the Israel Gymnastics Federation, which described the move as “shocking and heartbreaking,” calling on international authorities to uphold fairness and neutrality in sport.
IOC Demands Accountability
In response to the controversy, the IOC announced that it would revise its qualification principles to ensure all Olympic qualifying events guarantee non-discriminatory access to every athlete, regardless of nationality.
The IOC has also summoned both the Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to attend a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland, to address the issue. While no date has been set, the meeting is expected to determine whether Indonesia faces further sanctions or potential suspension from hosting international events.
Diplomatic and Sporting Fallout
Indonesia’s decision reflects its long-standing policy of not maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel, a stance rooted in support for the Palestinian cause. The country has been a vocal critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, even after a ceasefire took effect earlier this month.
However, the IOC’s response underscores that political positions cannot override Olympic principles of inclusivity and neutrality.
Sports analysts say the ruling sends a strong message to other nations considering similar boycotts. “The IOC is reminding the world that sports and politics cannot mix when it comes to the Olympic Charter,” said one expert.
With the IOC’s intervention, Indonesia’s Olympic hopes appear to be in serious jeopardy — unless it reverses course and reaffirms its commitment to the universal values of sport.
“Until Indonesia can guarantee that all athletes are welcome, its dream of hosting the Olympics remains out of reach,” the IOC statement concluded.