TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Secretary General of the National Sports Committee of Indonesia (KONI), Lukman Djajadikusuma, asserts that the sanctions imposed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will not diminish opportunities for Indonesian athletes to compete in major international sports events.
Lukman believes the IOC’s decision, which followed the rejection of visas for the Israeli contingent at the recent Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, will not affect the rights of Indonesian athletes to participate in global competitions such as the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics.
“Our athletes are still free to compete, whether it’s at the SEA Games, Asian Games, Olympics, or single events. What is prohibited is Indonesia hosting international events. However, our athletes’ participation remains permitted,” Lukman told journalists in Solo on Friday, October 24, 2025, after the opening of the National Coordination Meeting of the KONI Forum.
The IOC recently decided to halt all dialogue with the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Indonesia regarding the planning of the Olympic Games or other international sports events under the Olympic umbrella. This measure was taken after Indonesia canceled the visas for the Israeli gymnastics contingent scheduled to participate in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta from October 19–25, 2025.
Lukman acknowledged the non-discrimination principle but stressed the uniqueness of Indonesia’s situation. “We are aware that there should be no discrimination against anyone. There are indeed regulations. But this is a different situation, and there is a lot of international support for Indonesia’s stance as well,” he explained.
Despite the sanctions, Lukman remains optimistic that the IOC’s decision can be reviewed. He is confident that many in the international community understand Indonesia’s position on the issue.
“I am confident that the international community also understands Indonesia’s situation. Indeed, according to the IOC rules, there should be no discrimination against anyone, but the situation is now different. Many countries also support Indonesia’s stance,” he reiterated.
He added that several representatives of Indonesian sports bodies have been invited to the IOC headquarters in Switzerland to discuss the matter directly. Lukman expressed hope that the dialogue will yield a favorable resolution without compromising Indonesia’s position in the global sports arena.
“We are confident that the decision can be changed because the situation is truly different from typical discrimination cases. The international community also shares similar views with us. I believe a good solution will be reached,” he concluded.
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