Dewi Rina Cahyani, Jakarta – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has called on all parties to reject the Israeli artistic gymnastics team, which is rumored to be competing in Indonesia from October 19 to 25, 2025, at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
MUI Secretary General Amirsyah Tambunan urged all parties in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, to reject the arrival of Israeli gymnasts as a form of support for the liberation of Palestine from all forms of colonialism. "It should be rejected because my argument is in accordance with the mandate of the constitution, that independence is the right of all nations. Colonization must be abolished because it is incompatible with humanity and justice," he said, as reported by Antara.
According to Amirsyah, the rejection of the Israeli gymnasts is to maintain the independence and reputation of Indonesian sports in the eyes of the world.
Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim, Head of the MUI for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, stated that Indonesia does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Therefore, the government needs to consistently maintain this position. "This commitment must not be disrupted by anyone. We must not let events like the gymnastics competition spark public anger and damage the trust of the people who have long supported the Palestinian struggle," said Sudarnoto.
He also warned that inviting the Israeli team would only negatively impact Indonesian diplomacy at the global level, especially following the government's commitment made by President-elect Prabowo Subianto in international forums. "The Indonesian government must be focused and careful. We must not waste our energy on matters like this, which could only cause controversy and public anger," he said.
He also called on the ministries and organizers to take immediate anticipatory measures. "Whoever the organizer is, including if it involves the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora), must prevent this. No Israeli athletes should be allowed to attend. Set an example for other countries that have the courage to refuse," he said.
Several Israeli gymnasts are reportedly set to participate in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, which will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 19 to 25, 2025. According to the Jewish News Syndicate, the Israel Gymnastics Federation said they have registered to participate.
The media outlet claimed that Indonesia had informed Israel's national gymnastics governing body that it would welcome Israeli athletes to the competition. "We are in direct communication with the organizers and are confident that external considerations will not affect the sport," a spokesperson for the Israel Gymnastics Federation said, as reported by JNS. "We hope the competition organizers will approve the delegation's participation and the security requirements to ensure the delegation can participate safely in the championship."
One of Israel's leading gymnasts is Olympic champion Artem Dolgopyat. He won gold and silver medals in Tokyo and Paris.
In 2023, Indonesia refused to allow the Israeli team to compete in the U-20 World Cup, which Indonesia was hosting. As a result, FIFA officially canceled the international soccer tournament held in Indonesia.
Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2055303/indonesian-ulema-council-rejects-israeli-gymnasts-arrival-in-jakart