By: Robert Antonio )*
The Indonesian government’s decision to cancel the visas of Israeli athletes for the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships was not an emotional move, but rather a concrete manifestation of foreign policy principles firmly rooted in constitutional values. Amidst the suffering of the Palestinian people due to Israeli aggression, this firm stance demonstrates Indonesia’s continued adherence to humanitarian morals and universal justice.
This step reinforces Indonesia’s position as a sovereign nation that is not easily interfered with by external interests. Minister of Immigration and Corrections Agus Andrianto explained that the visa cancellations were made at the official request of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI), which previously served as the guarantor of the Israeli delegation. The government, he said, followed up on the request in accordance with applicable immigration law mechanisms. This explanation emphasized that every policy taken was not an impulsive decision, but the result of careful and procedural consideration.
Indonesia’s stance also received widespread support from various levels of society. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung stated that the presence of the Israeli delegation was not permitted in the capital. He assessed that this step was necessary to maintain social stability and prevent potential public unrest, especially amid heightened global sensitivity due to the conflict in Gaza. The rejection was not a form of discrimination, but rather a preventative measure to maintain public order and tranquility.
This decision also reflects the continuity of the values that have been the foundation of Indonesian foreign policy since the early days of independence. Since the 1955 Asia-Africa Conference in Bandung, Indonesia has emphasized that colonialism is contrary to humanity and justice. This principle is now being tested again, and the government has demonstrated remarkable consistency. President Prabowo Subianto even asserted at the UN General Assembly that Indonesia would not establish diplomatic relations with Israel until it fully recognizes Palestinian sovereignty.
The government’s firm stance is inseparable from cross-sector coordination. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra explained that the cancellation of the Israeli athletes’ visas was made after listening to the views of various ministries and the aspirations of civil society. The sports federations that had previously provided support ultimately withdrew their sponsorship letters to the Israeli delegation, out of respect for the government’s decision and understanding the broader political context.
From an international legal perspective, Indonesia’s decision also does not conflict with the principle of sportsmanship. While sports are often associated with the spirit of peace, this does not mean we should turn a blind eye to humanitarian violations. When a country’s contingent symbolically represents a power engaged in oppression, the rejection becomes a form of moral resistance. Thus, Indonesia is not violating the ethics of sportsmanship; instead, it is upholding the humanitarian values that underlie every international competition.
Moral support for this decision came from various religious institutions and parliament. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) firmly objected to the planned presence of Israeli athletes in Indonesia. Sukamta, Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), expressed a similar view, believing that permitting Israeli athletes would violate the constitutional mandate, particularly the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, which rejects all forms of colonialism. He added that siding with Palestine is not merely a political matter, but a reflection of the nation’s identity, which upholds humanity and justice.
This rejection also serves as an important lesson in Indonesian public diplomacy. The international community needs to understand that Indonesia’s position on the Palestinian issue is non-negotiable. This nation stands firmly on the principle that independence is the right of all nations. Therefore, in a situation where aggression and violence are still ongoing in Gaza, giving space to symbols of the occupying state will only weaken the long-held moral message.
The FGI itself demonstrated maturity by complying with government policy and ensuring that the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships proceeded smoothly without the presence of an Israeli contingent. This step demonstrates that sports professionalism does not have to conflict with national values. Instead, the collaboration between the government and the federation is proof that true sportsmanship is born from moral integrity, not merely technical ability.
The government’s firmness also demonstrates that Indonesia is not a country that bows to international pressure. In the era of globalization, many countries are willing to compromise to maintain their image or economic interests. However, IndonesiaIndonesia chose a different path—standing on the side of truth, without sacrificing the nation’s fundamental values. This stance also sends a strong message to the world that Indonesia is a sovereign, dignified nation, and consistent in fighting for the rights of oppressed people.
Ultimately, the decision to cancel the visas of Israeli athletes is not only politically relevant but also symbolizes the nation’s moral victory. This action demonstrates that in international relations, Indonesia remains steadfast in upholding the principles of justice, humanity, and global solidarity. In an increasingly pragmatic world, this kind of firmness is a moral oasis that affirms Indonesia’s existence as a great nation that never forgets its conscience.
)* The author is an observer of international relations.