The International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to freeze dialogue with Indonesia and urge sports federations not to hold events in Jakarta exposes a troubling hypocrisy. Indonesia is being punished for refusing visas to Israeli athletes at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships — a decision rooted not in hostility, but in conscience.

Indonesia’s stance reflects a moral and constitutional principle. The country’s 1945 Constitution calls on the state to help “build a world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice.” For a nation that fought colonialism, solidarity with the oppressed — especially Palestinians — is part of its identity. Allowing Israeli athletes to compete while Gaza lies in ruins would betray those founding values.

This is not a political manoeuvre. Indonesia and Israel have no diplomatic relations, and national law reflects that reality. Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir’s decision to deny visas was consistent with policy and public sentiment. In the face of a humanitarian catastrophe, neutrality is not an option.

Israel’s genocide in Gaza has

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