Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Minister of Youth and Sports Erick Thohir defended the government’s decision to revoke visas for Israel’s gymnastics delegation to the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, following the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) move to suspend dialogue with Indonesia.

“This decision is in line with Indonesia’s existing laws. It is also based on the 1945 Constitution, which upholds public order, security, and the nation’s duty to help maintain world peace,” he said on Thursday (23/10/2025), as quoted by antaranews.com.

The IOC earlier urged all international federations to halt events in Indonesia until the government guarantees unrestricted entry for all athletes regardless of nationality.

Minister Erick acknowledged the consequences of the policy but stressed that Indonesia remains committed to advancing national sports development through a long-term blueprint and international engagement. 

“We will continue strengthening key sports and building training centers to make Indonesia a strong and respected sporting nation,” he added.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)