REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government will not grant visas to Israeli gymnasts who want to participate in the artistic world championships in Jakarta. Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government's stance was in line with President Prabowo Subianto's directive during his speech at the United Nations.

Prabowo strongly denounced Israel at the time. “This action is also in line with the expectations of all the people that we see there is a strong rejection from local authorities and political parties, and the government firmly and consistently will not grant visas to all six Israeli gymnasts,” Yusril said in his statement Thursday (9/10/2025).

According to Yusril, Israel has committed atrocities against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Therefore, the Indonesian Government expressly will not make contact with Israel until they recognize an independent and sovereign Palestinian state. If it accepts, then Indonesia will have normal diplomatic relations with Israel.

The Israel Gymnastics Federation is rumored to have registered the name of their athletes to contest the World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta on October 19-25, 2025.

Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said he would not allow Israeli athletes to participate in the World Gymnastics Championships in his area. As regional head, Pramono judged himself to have the right to refuse.

“About Israeli athletes coming to Jakarta, of course as Governor of Jakarta, under these conditions I definitely would not allow it,” he said on Wednesday (8/10/2025).

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