Palestine supporters defend refusal to admit Israeli athletes, call for Sukarno-era games
Jakarta hosts the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships this week. The government’s refusal to grant visas to Israeli athletes sparked the ire of the International Olympic Committee but won the hearts of many Indonesians. © Reuters
NATSUMI KAWASAKI and REZHA HADYAN
October 24, 2025 16:39 JST
JAKARTA — The International Olympic Committee’s censure of Indonesia over its rejection of Israeli gymnasts’ visas has spurred a backlash in the world’s largest predominantly Muslim nation, with experts saying the controversy could boost President Prabowo Subianto’s popularity.