IOC Urges Global Sports Federations to Avoid Hosting Events in Indonesia

Strategic Insights -

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has intervened in a growing sports diplomacy row between Indonesia and Israel over the participation of Israeli athletes at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta. Indonesia's ban on Israeli gymnasts, citing a need to "maintain public order," has prompted the IOC to recommend that world sports bodies cease holding events in Indonesia. This move effectively ends Indonesia's chances of hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, a bid that had been expressed in the past.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IOC has urged global sports federations not to host any sporting events in Indonesia following the country's ban on Israeli gymnasts at the ongoing Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta.
  • Indonesia denied visas to Israeli gymnasts, citing its policy of cutting ties with Israel until it recognizes the independence of the state of Palestine.
  • The IOC has changed qualification principles to include guarantees for access of all athletes, irrespective of nationality, for any qualification event for an Olympic Games.
  • The Indonesian Olympic Committee and the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) have been ordered to attend a meeting at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss the matter.
  • Indonesia has repeatedly expressed an interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics, but the IOC decision all but buried its chances of landing the Games in 11 years.
  • Indonesian Sports Minister Erick Thohir acknowledged the consequences of Indonesia's decision, stating that the country understands the implications of its actions.
  • The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected appeals by the Israel Gymnastics Federation to be allowed to compete at the championship, affirming Indonesia's decision to ban Israeli athletes.

Statistics:

  • The IOC has recommended that world sports bodies cease holding events in Indonesia.
  • The ban on Israeli gymnasts was imposed amid Israel's genocide in Gaza, a matter that references Indonesia's policy of cutting ties with Israel.
  • The Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta began on Sunday, October 6, with Israeli gymnasts excluded from the competition.
  • The IOC has made guarantees for access of all athletes, irrespective of nationality, for any qualification event for an Olympic Games.
  • Indonesian Sports Minister Erick Thohir stated that Indonesia "understands the consequences of its decision", highlighting the country's adherence to maintaining public order and security.
  • The CAS rejected appeals by the Israel Gymnastics Federation on October 14.

Sources:

  • https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/10/10/gymnastics-governing-body-reacts-to-indonesias-worlds-block-on-israel-team
  • https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2025/10/14/cas-rejects-israels-appeal-to-join-artistic-gymnastics-worlds-in-indonesia