Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, has addressed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recent declaration that the nation is currently unable to host major global sporting events, including the prestigious Olympic Games. This significant setback stems directly from Indonesia’s decision to cancel the visas for Israeli gymnasts, which prevented their participation in a planned World Gymnastics Championships.
Thohir candidly acknowledged that Indonesia fully comprehends the repercussions of its stance regarding the Israeli athletes. Despite facing this formidable restriction on hosting, he emphasized Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to maintain an active and prominent role in the international sporting arena, both at the Asian and global levels.
In a detailed statement shared across his social media platforms, Thohir articulated the government’s position. “Indonesia took steps to avoid the arrival of the Israeli delegation at the Gymnastics World Championships,” he wrote. “We understand that this decision carries consequences, whereby as long as Indonesia cannot accept Israel’s presence, the IOC has ruled that Indonesia cannot host world championships, Olympic events, Youth Olympic Games, and other activities under the Olympic umbrella.” This clearly outlines the direct link between the visa cancellation and the subsequent Olympic hosting ban.
Undeterred by the ban, Thohir reaffirmed the government’s long-term vision for sports. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Government remain committed to preparing a blueprint for national sports development,” he added, “including strengthening 17 priority sports and constructing national team training centers.” This initiative aims to foster domestic talent and infrastructure, ensuring the nation’s athletic prowess continues to grow.
He further stressed Indonesia’s determination to remain a vibrant participant on the international stage. “Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sporting events at the Southeast Asian, Asian, and global levels, so that Indonesian sports can become ambassadors and a reflection of the nation’s strength in the eyes of the world,” Thohir concluded, signaling a resolve to project national pride through athletic achievement, even if hosting opportunities are temporarily restricted.
Prior to Thohir’s statement, the International Olympic Committee had already issued a strong directive, urging sports federations worldwide to refrain from organizing championships in Indonesia. This stern warning was a direct consequence of Indonesia’s prohibition on Israeli athletes competing in the then-scheduled World Gymnastics Championships.
Moreover, the IOC confirmed it has suspended all ongoing discussions regarding Indonesia’s potential bids to host future Olympic Games. These crucial talks will remain on hold until the Indonesian government provides an unequivocal guarantee that all athletes, regardless of their nationality, will be permitted to compete freely within Indonesia’s borders, impacting future hosting rights.
Summary
Indonesia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Erick Thohir, addressed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) declaration that the nation cannot host major global sporting events, including the Olympic Games. This significant restriction stems directly from Indonesia’s decision to cancel visas for Israeli gymnasts, preventing their participation in a World Gymnastics Championships. Thohir acknowledged that Indonesia fully comprehends the consequences of this stance.
Despite the hosting ban, Thohir emphasized Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to maintaining an active role in the international sporting arena and developing a national sports blueprint, including strengthening priority sports and constructing training centers. The IOC has confirmed it will suspend all Olympic bid discussions until Indonesia provides an unequivocal guarantee that all athletes, regardless of nationality, will be permitted to compete freely.