January 1, Indonesia Boots Israeli Athletes, IOC Pushes Back

Wyatt’s Take

• Indonesia barred Israeli gymnasts from competing in a world event, claiming public order concerns.
• The International Olympic Committee responded by cutting ties and shutting down Olympic bid talks.
• This ban traces back decades, showing a longstanding refusal to welcome Israeli teams.

Indonesia says blocking Israeli athletes keeps public safety intact, even as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) pushes back hard.

Sports Minister Erick Thohir declared the decision fits Indonesia’s laws and their duty to maintain control during world events.

Kami di Kemenpora, sebagai wakil Pemerintah Indonesia, berpegang pada prinsip untuk menjaga keamanan, ketertiban umum dan kepentingan publik dalam setiap penyelenggaraan event internasional. Langkah ini sesuai dengan ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan yang berlaku. Prinsip… pic.twitter.com/c7uYsiT2bW

— Erick Thohir (@erickthohir) October 23, 2025

Israel’s team, which included a gold medal gymnast, was one of 86 squads registered for the championship.

The IOC says such bans rob athletes of their chance to compete and dull the spirit of sports as a uniting force.

Jakarta officials claim the presence of Israeli athletes would cause major emotional distress, given the conflict in Gaza.

Indonesia denies visas to Israeli sportsmen as part of its policy to stay away from Israel until it recognizes Palestinian nationhood.

The government admits this approach will block them from hosting any future world or Olympic games, but they don’t appear to be backing down.

This isn’t the country’s first time shutting out Israel—Indonesian officials refused to let Israeli teams in as far back as 1962.

These decisions mean Indonesia keeps its stance, while Israeli athletes end up sidelined yet again.

Let us know your thoughts below, or share if you think sports should stay above politics.

Wyatt Matters

For folks here at home, standing your ground on values—no matter the cost—rings familiar. It’s a reminder that principles can shape big decisions, but those choices often leave others out in the cold. Ordinary people should not pay the price for political fights happening far away.

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