Indonesia says decision to ban Israeli gymnasts aims to maintain global peace

Indonesia's sports minister said the decision to prevent Israeli gymnasts from participating in a world championship event being held in Jakarta is for the public interest.

“We uphold the principle of ensuring security, public order, and the public interest when hosting any international event,” Erick Thohir said on X, saying that Indonesia has a constitutional duty to help maintain global peace.

Thohir's comments came after the International Olympic Committee urged all international sporting federations not to host sporting events in Indonesia.

“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.