Indonesian authorities and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) have supported a government decision to deny visas to Israeli athletes scheduled to compete in the World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta from Oct. 19-25, including Paris Olympic silver medalist and world champion Artem Dolgopyat.
According to Media Indonesia, Indonesian Gymnastics Federation President Ita Juliati received an official call from FIG representatives confirming the organization’s support for Indonesia’s stance. Juliati said the move aligned with Indonesia’s national policy, which does not maintain diplomatic ties with Israel as long as it does not recognize a free and sovereign Palestinian state.
The Indonesian Immigration Office confirmed the FIG sent an official letter requesting the ban, which served as the basis for the decision. Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto emphasized that the process was initiated by the organizers, not a unilateral government action, and added that the procedures were carried out transparently and legally.
Andrianto said the government “values the gymnastics federation’s commitment to maintaining order, smooth event operations, and the championship’s international credibility.” Juliati also expressed gratitude for FIG’s support, calling it “critical, as our federation prioritizes athlete safety and adherence to international rules.”
Israeli officials learned of the decision through international media rather than direct communication. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation said it has not received official notice regarding the ban or new travel guidelines for athletes, whose departure was scheduled for Monday.
Israeli Olympic Committee Chair and International Olympic Committee member Yael Arad has contacted the IOC to intervene. The Israeli Gymnastics Federation is also considering appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to suspend the event until Israeli athletes are allowed to compete.
“We have made extensive efforts in recent weeks, alongside the Israeli Olympic Committee and other international parties, to allow Israeli apparatus gymnasts to participate,” Arad said. “We still expect FIG and the Indonesian government to respect the Olympic Charter and permit the Israeli team to compete like all other delegations. If not, we will pursue all available avenues.”
The decision was announced just one week before the championships, making a last-minute venue change nearly impossible. Any potential sanctions against Indonesia are likely to take effect only after the event concludes.
Israeli athletes affected include Artem Dolgopyat, Eyal Indig, Ron Pyatov, Roni Shamai, Lihie Raz and Yali Shoshani.