Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia
Host denies Israel’s athletes entry
October 9, 2025 – 8:04 p.mReading time: 1 min.
From October 19th, the best gymnasts in the world will meet in Indonesia. But the host doesn’t want a country to be there.
Shortly before the start of the World Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, a political decision is causing great unrest: host Indonesia is planning not to allow the Israeli delegation to enter. The country will refuse visa documents to athletes from Israel, a government spokesman said. This was confirmed by the AP news agency, among others.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place in the Indonesian capital from October 19th to 25th. A total of 86 nations are registered – including Israel. But the planned participation of the Israeli gymnasts is met with clear resistance in the predominantly Muslim country.
The government cites Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip as the background. Indonesia is clearly positioning itself on the side of the Palestinians in the conflict. Justice Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra explained that the athletes would not be allowed to enter the country even if, as currently agreed, there is a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
President Prabowo Subianto also recently made critical comments on the international stage. At the UN General Assembly, he strongly condemned Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
If Indonesia sticks to its stance, it would also have sporting consequences: Israeli world champion Artem Dolgopyat would not be able to defend his title in the floor competition.