JAKARTA: Indonesia will not issue visas to Israeli athletes for the upcoming world artistic gymnastics championships in Jakarta, a minister said Thursday, citing the nation’s support for Palestinians.
The event, scheduled for October 19-25 in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation, is expected to feature more than 500 athletes from 79 countries.
Israeli athletes were reportedly among those set to compete, but coordinating minister for legal affairs and human rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said the government would not allow them entry.
“The Indonesian government has a firm stance that it will not have any contact with Israel until Israel recognizes the existence of a free and sovereign Palestine,” Yusril said in a statement.
Indonesia has no formal ties with Israel, but Israeli nationals or their sponsors, such as Indonesian-based businesses or Indonesian nationals, can apply for a short-term visa under the “calling visa” procedure.
Israeli nationals with dual passports can also enter Indonesia using their other passport.
Immigration and Corrections Minister Agus Andrianto told local media Kompas.com on Thursday the move followed a formal request from the Indonesian Gymnastics Federation.
Andrianto confirmed the decision to AFP, without elaborating.
The federation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In July 2023, Indonesia pulled out of hosting the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) World Beach Games following controversy over Israel’s participation.
In March that year, Indonesia lost the hosting rights to the FIFA Under-20 World Cup after two governors objected to Israel’s participation.
Indonesia bars Israeli athletes from gymnastics world championship
https://arab.news/zr2qm
Indonesia bars Israeli athletes from gymnastics world championship
- “The Indonesian government has a firm stance that it will not have any contact with Israel until Israel recognizes the existence of a free and sovereign Palestine,” Yusril said
- Israeli nationals with dual passports can also enter Indonesia using their other passport
Perez ends PGA Tour bid, becomes France’s first in LIV Golf
- Perez was a three-time winner on the DP World Tour, including his most recent triumph in 2023 at Abu Dhabi
- Perez: LIV Golf’s innovation and energy are driving it forward. I’m excited to be part of that momentum and can’t wait to get started in Riyadh
WASHINGTON: Victor Perez became the first French player to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League on Tuesday after withdrawing from the final US PGA Tour event of the fall campaign.
The 33-year-old Frenchman was set to play in this week’s RSM Classic at Georgia’s Sea Island Golf Club but withdrew shortly before being announced as the latest signing for LIV’s Cleeks team in 2026.
Perez, 120th in the world rankings, was in a fight to keep his playing rights for next year. He stood 108th in the PGA fall points standings and needed to jump into the top 100 by his results in this week’s PGA tournament to keep full rights in 2026.
Instead, he joined LIV Golf and as a result is no longer eligible to compete in PGA Tour events, a ban imposed when the series launched in June 2022.
Perez was a three-time winner on the DP World Tour, including his most recent triumph in 2023 at Abu Dhabi. His best PGA Tour finish was a share of ninth at June’s Canadian Open.
“LIV Golf’s innovation and energy are driving it forward,” said Perez, who will make his LIV debut in Riyadh in February.
“I’m excited to be part of that momentum and can’t wait to get started in Riyadh.”
