By: Samuel Tan*
The Indonesian government’s decision to cancel all visas for Israeli gymnasts attending the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships is a step worthy of appreciation. Amid the ongoing humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, this firmness reflects Indonesia’s consistency in defending the rights of the Palestinian people, while simultaneously maintaining the moral integrity and foreign policy of our country.
The government’s stance is not merely the result of public pressure, but a reflection of constitutional values that reject all forms of colonialism on earth. As emphasized by the Minister of Immigration and Corrections, Agus Andrianto, the visa cancellation of the Israeli athletes was made based on an official request from the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI), which guarantees the presence of foreign delegates at the event. The government followed up transparently, accountably, and legally according to immigration law.
Many parties, from members of the House of Representatives (DPR), religious figures, to regional heads, have voiced their opposition to the presence of Israeli athletes in Jakarta. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung firmly stated that he would not permit the presence of a delegation from Israel in his territory. He stated that the presence of athletes from the occupying country would only incite public anger and create social unrest, especially in the current global situation fueled by the Gaza conflict.
This government decision also carries significant ethical and political implications. Indonesia has never established diplomatic relations with Israel, a stance reiterated by President Prabowo Subianto at the recent United Nations General Assembly. In his speech, President Prabowo emphasized that Indonesia would only establish diplomatic relations with Israel if it fully recognized Palestinian independence. This statement not only reflects the direction of our foreign policy but also confirms that Indonesia stands firmly with the Palestinian people.
The visa cancellation was not taken unilaterally or hastily. As explained by the Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, this decision was made through cross-ministerial coordination and took into account various aspirations from civil society. He even stated that the gymnastics federation, which had previously submitted a sponsorship letter for the Israeli delegation, has now withdrawn its support out of understanding and respect for the Indonesian government’s political stance.
Public support for this decision was also overwhelming. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), as the representative of the Muslim community, also expressed its objection to the planned participation of Israeli athletes. Likewise, Sukamta, Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), argued that granting permission to Israeli athletes violates the constitution, particularly Article 1 of the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution, which rejects colonialism in any form.
Furthermore, Sukamta also believes that the presence of Israeli athletes could harm Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy, which favors humanity. He emphasized the importance of a firm government stance to prevent negligence, as has occurred in previous international events. Therefore, the steps taken now set an important precedent to prevent Indonesia from falling into compromises that contradict the nation’s fundamental principles.
More broadly, this decision sends a strong message to the international community that Indonesia will not sacrifice humanitarian values for the sake of sport alone. The world of sport is often considered a neutral space, but when the presence of a contingent clearly represents a country committing aggression against civilians, siding with the victims becomes a moral imperative.
The 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships will still take place in Jakarta without an Israeli delegation, and this does not diminish the credibility of the event. In fact, by not allowing athletes from the occupying country to participate, Indonesia demonstrates that true sportsmanship cannot be separated from the values of justice and humanity. The Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) also demonstrated a wise stance by withdrawing its support for the participation of Israeli athletes, in line with the aspirations of the Indonesian people.
This consistency also confirms that Indonesia is not easily pressured by external interests. The world must see that a good host is not only capable of organizing events well, but also firmly upholds the nation’s dignity and listens to the voices of its people. In the history of our foreign policy, siding with Palestine is not merely symbolic, but has been part of Indonesia’s identity and the direction of its diplomatic efforts since the Sukarno era until today.
Therefore, the decision of the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) to…The government’s cancellation of Israeli athletes’ visas is not a form of discrimination, but rather an expression of moral and political sovereignty. We are not rejecting athletes because of their nationality, but because they represent a country committing crimes against humanity. In a situation like this, neutrality becomes a form of injustice, and taking sides becomes a necessity.
We should express our deepest appreciation to the government for this firm and consistent stance. Amid geopolitical pressure and considerations of short-term interests, Indonesia has chosen to stand on the side of humanity and constitutional sovereignty. A decision that is not only correct but also commendable.
)* The author is a socio-political observer