Background on Indonesia and its Stance
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country, has no diplomatic relations with Israel and supports the Palestinian cause.
IOC’s Decision
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Wednesday that it is severing dialogue with Indonesia as a penalty for the country’s refusal to grant entry visas to Israeli gymnasts participating in the ongoing World Gymnastics Championships in Yakarta.
“All eligible athletes, teams, and sports officials must be able to participate in international sporting competitions and events without facing any form of discrimination from the host country, as per the Olympic Charter,” the IOC Executive Board reminded in its prelude to discussing this matter.
Consequences for Indonesia
To deter other countries from taking similar actions, the IOC has taken several measures against Indonesia. These include ending “all forms of dialogue with the Indonesian National Committee regarding the organization of future Olympic Games editions” and other events.
Indonesia, an Asian country, had expressed its intention to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games, an edition for which India, South Africa, Qatar, Hungary, Turkey, and South Korea also expressed interest.
The IOC has urged international sports federations not to grant event organization rights to Indonesia and convened both the Indonesian committee and the International Gymnastics Federation for a meeting to discuss “the situation that has occurred.”
Indonesia’s Justification for Visa Denial
Indonesian authorities explained that their government maintains a firmly established policy of not engaging with Israel until it recognizes the existence of a free and sovereign Palestine.
The Indonesian government’s decision to deny visas to the Israeli delegation was presented as retaliation for the Gaza conflict.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue? Indonesia denied entry visas to Israeli gymnasts participating in the World Gymnastics Championships, prompting IOC sanctions.
- Why did Indonesia deny visas? Indonesian authorities stated that their government’s policy is not to engage with Israel until it recognizes a free and sovereign Palestine.
- What actions has the IOC taken? The IOC ended dialogue with Indonesia, asked international sports federations not to grant event organization rights to Indonesia, and convened relevant parties for a meeting.
- What are Indonesia’s future Olympic prospects? Indonesia had expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympic Games, but IOC sanctions may impact their chances.
