Jakarta. Indonesia will continue to send its best athletes to international competitions despite the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to ban Jakarta from hosting future Olympic events, Sports Minister Erick Thohir said on Friday.

Erick sought to clarify that the IOC’s move, made after Indonesia barred Israeli athletes from entering the country for the Gymnastics World Championships, does not amount to a suspension from global sports activities.

“The public should not panic or misunderstand the IOC’s decision,” Erick told a press conference at the Youth and Sports Ministry office in Jakarta. “The cancellation of Israeli athletes’ visas does not mean Indonesia is frozen from the Olympic movement. We continue to send our top athletes to compete internationally.”

The IOC said earlier this week that it would recommend international sports federations refrain from staging events in Indonesia until the government provides guarantees that all eligible athletes can participate without discrimination. It also ended discussions with Jakarta about potentially hosting future Olympic or Youth Olympic Games.

Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, has long been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause. The government earlier this month confirmed it would deny visas to Israeli athletes, including Olympic gold medalist and defending world champion Artem Dolgopyat, citing national security and public interest considerations.

Erick defended the decision, saying it was based on “strong legal grounds” and consistent with Indonesia’s foreign policy principles. “The government acts in accordance with our Constitution and our obligation to maintain peace and public order,” he said.

While acknowledging the diplomatic challenges, Erick underscored that Indonesia’s sports development would continue. “Our sports movement will not stop just because of political dynamics. The Youth and Sports Ministry and the Indonesian Olympic Committee remain committed to preparing our athletes for future competitions,” he said.

He added that athlete participation will now be more selective, focusing on those with the best potential to deliver results and represent Indonesia on the world stage efficiently. “We are sending only our best, as budgets are limited. Our mission is to make sports a symbol of national strength and pride,” Erick said.

The minister also revealed that Indonesian Olympic Committee chairman Raja Sapta Oktohari would travel to Lausanne, Switzerland, to negotiate directly with the IOC and clarify Indonesia’s position. “The IOC decision is still dynamic and open to discussion,” Erick said.

To strengthen the country’s long-term sports strategy, the government is drafting a new national sports blueprint aimed at boosting performance in regional and global events, including the SEA Games, Asian Games, Youth Olympics, and the Olympic Games.

“We must have a clear roadmap so that Indonesia can continue to excel internationally,” Erick said.

Meanwhile, the IOC’s decision has drawn criticism abroad, with Russia accusing the Olympic body of applying “double standards.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told sports broadcaster Match TV that the IOC’s stance toward Indonesia contrasted sharply with its approach to Western nations that had previously denied visas to Russian athletes.

“These are undoubtedly double standards,” Peskov said, responding to questions about the IOC’s recommendation for sports federations to avoid holding events in Indonesia while refraining from making similar statements against other countries.

The IOC’s statement described Indonesia’s actions as depriving athletes of “their right to compete peacefully,” emphasizing that Olympic principles demand non-discrimination and political neutrality in all sports competitions.