Jakarta — The Indonesian government has confirmed that it will not issue visas to all Israeli athletes planning to participate in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta from October 19–25, 2025. This policy is in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives and the public’s aspirations to maintain a calm and conducive national situation.
“The Indonesian government will not issue visas to Israeli athletes who intend to attend the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta from October 19–25. This government stance aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s directives on various occasions,” said Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra on Thursday (October 9, 2025).
“The Indonesian government is firm that it will not have any contact with Israel until Israel recognizes the existence of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. Only then will the Indonesian government establish diplomatic relations with Israel and engage in other normal international relations,” he reiterated.
Support for the government’s move came from various groups. National Awakening Party (PKB) Central Executive Board Chairman Daniel Johan considered the decision appropriate and needed by the public.
“We appreciate the government’s stance of refusing visas to Israeli delegates. This is an appropriate and firm response from the government, listening to existing aspirations and realizing them. Indonesia currently needs calm, so it’s important to avoid anything that could cause unrest,” he said.
He added that the government is strongly committed to this.
“Without this, the Indonesian government will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel or engage in other normal international relations, including at international events like this,” he added.
A similar view was expressed by PAN legislator Saleh Daulay. According to him, the government must consider the public’s sentiments.
“Even if we reject them, Indonesia’s position on the global stage will certainly remain strong.” In fact, at some point, it actually grew stronger and received appreciation from other countries,” he said.
Saleh also expressed his support for the government’s decisiveness.
“Mr. Yusril’s stance is correct. The public will definitely support him. We all must encourage him. “Anything that is right must be implemented,” he explained.
From an immigration perspective, the government emphasized that the entire process is proceeding according to regulations. Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto confirmed the cancellation of all Israeli delegation visas.
“Based on the official request from the guarantor, we can confirm that all Israeli delegation visas have been canceled,” Agus said on Thursday (October 9, 2025).
He explained that the cancellation request was submitted by the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) through letter number 442/LTR-JAGOC2025-FGI/X/2025 and has been granted.
“The entire immigration process has been transparent and accountable in accordance with regulations, and this visa cancellation is a follow-up to the initiative and official request from the guarantor,” he emphasized.
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