Indonesia stands by its decision to prevent Israeli gymnasts from participating in a world championship event being held in Jakarta, its sports minister said on social media, reports Al Jazeera.
Erick Thohir was responding after the International Olympic Committee urged all international sporting federations not to host sporting events in Indonesia.
“We uphold the principle of ensuring security, public order, and the public interest when hosting any international event,” Thohir wrote on X, saying that Indonesia has a constitutional duty to help maintain global peace.
Indonesia does not have formal diplomatic ties with Israel and has strongly criticised the country over its war in Gaza.
Thohir acknowledged that by excluding Israeli athletes, Indonesia would not be permitted to host events under the Olympic framework.
“Indonesia will continue to play an active role in various sporting events at the Southeast Asian, Asian, and world levels, so that Indonesian sports can be an ambassador and a reflection of the nation’s greatness in the eyes of the world,” Thohir said.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
