Jakarta. Indonesia has denied entry to six Israeli athletes scheduled to compete in the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, which will take place in Jakarta from Oct. 19–25, reaffirming its long-standing stance of not recognizing Israel until it acknowledges Palestinian statehood.

Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said on Monday that the government stands firm in its decision to deny visas for the Israeli gymnasts and is prepared to face an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) filed by the Israel Gymnastics Federation.

“The Indonesian government remains consistent in rejecting the visa applications of the Israeli gymnastics team and is ready to face the appeal at CAS,” Erick said. “This follows the clear direction of President Prabowo Subianto, who has firmly stated that Indonesia will not open diplomatic relations with Israel until it recognizes an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.”

Erick added that the government had anticipated the Israeli federation’s legal challenge and would respond within the legal frameworks of both Indonesia and the international sporting body. “We will face this appeal with dignity,” he said.

Senior Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra earlier said the decision to deny visas was in line with President Prabowo’s remarks at the UN General Assembly, where he strongly condemned Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians.

He added that the government’s stance also reflected widespread opposition from religious and community groups, including the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), which have rejected Israeli participation in international sports events hosted in Indonesia.

Yusril confirmed that he had discussed the matter with Immigration Minister Agus Andrianto. According to him, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) had initially issued a sponsorship letter to support the Israeli athletes’ participation but later withdrew it after Indonesia made its position clear.

The 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships are expected to draw hundreds of athletes from around the world and serve as one of the main qualifiers for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

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