Jakarta: Indonesia announced that it banned Israeli athletes from participating in the World Gymnastics Championships scheduled to take place in Jakarta later this month, as reported by the state-run news agency Antara.

According to Anadolu Agency, Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that visas will not be issued to Israeli athletes. The tournament is set to occur from October 19 to 25. Mahendra explained that this decision was also influenced by pressure from religious groups, regional administrations, and political parties. He further mentioned that the policy had been coordinated with relevant authorities, including Minister of Immigration and Correction Agus Andrianto.

Andrianto disclosed that a gymnastics federation had initially sent a sponsorship letter to support visa applications for Israeli gymnasts. However, the federation later retracted its sponsorship letter upon recognizing Indonesia's consistent position on rejecting visa requests from Israeli athletes. Although the statement did not specify the federation, it is likely the International Gymnastics Federation, which is organizing the upcoming championship.

Additionally, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung Wibowo declared on Wednesday that he would prevent Israeli athletes from entering the capital. "As the governor, I will certainly bar Israeli athletes from coming here," he stated.