The International Olympic Committee has called on global sports organizations to avoid holding events in Indonesia after the country barred Israeli athletes from participating in a gymnastics championship this month.
In a statement, the IOC also suspended talks regarding a potential Olympic bid by Indonesia until the government guarantees that all competitors, regardless of nationality, will be allowed to take part in future competitions.
Indonesia had previously shown interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Games, but the IOC’s decision severely undermines its chances of securing the event.
Earlier this month, Indonesia—the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation—refused visas to Israeli gymnasts, preventing them from competing in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta. The move followed protests over Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
At the time, senior legal affairs minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra referenced opposition from Jakarta officials and religious leaders regarding Israel’s involvement.
The Israeli Gymnastics Federation described Indonesia’s decision as distressing and unacceptable.
The IOC further stated it would adjust qualification rules to ensure all athletes, irrespective of nationality, can participate in Olympic qualifying events.
Additionally, the IOC instructed Indonesia’s Olympic committee and the International Gymnastics Federation to attend a meeting in Lausanne to address the issue, though no date was specified.
Indonesia does not maintain official diplomatic relations with Israel and has continued to criticize its actions in Gaza despite a recent ceasefire.
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