Amid Visa Denial Controversy for Israel, Indonesian Men's Gymnastics Team Set to Stun the World

The 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta was marked by the Indonesian government's refusal to grant visas to the Israeli contingent. This refusal is related to the Indonesian government's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. The decision sparked both support and opposition, including an appeal from the Israeli Gymnastics Federation to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which was ultimately rejected.

Indonesian male gymnast, Joseph Judah Hatoguan, honestly admitted that the preparation time for the men's team heading to the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta felt very short. Nevertheless, his spirit remained burning.

“I really want to (achieve something). But within a one-month span, we gymnasts can't progress that fast. That's why, honestly, there's also a sense of sadness,” Joseph said when met at Indonesia Arena, Jakarta, on Friday.

Joseph stated that rule changes in the world of gymnastics also forced him to adapt quickly.

“I actually want to do my best but I can't, because there's a new Code of Points, right, there are new gymnastics regulations, so I can't use a new routine. So I'm still using the routine from six months ago,” he said.

New Challenge, Old Spirit

Despite time constraints and rule changes, Joseph remains confident that the Indonesian men's team can deliver a proud performance in front of their home crowd. They will face world-class athletes coming to Jakarta.

“For the men's team right now, compared to the women's team, the current men's team is better. At least for competing in the World Championships,” he said.

However, he also acknowledged a golden era previously marked by the presence of his seniors in the women's team.

“If my senior Rifda (Irfanaluthfi) was still there, the women's team was still good. But for now, it seems... the men are still far ahead. Not me specifically, but the men's team. The men's gymnastics team definitely won't embarrass ourselves,” Joseph said.

Joseph is not a new face in the gymnastics arena. His last notable achievement was at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, where he brought home a bronze medal from the men's floor exercise event. 

Now, the challenge he faces is much bigger: competing against the world's best athletes on his home soil.

Garuda Team at the World Championships

The Indonesian Gymnastics Federation (FGI) has fielded eight athletes to compete at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta. 

Besides Joseph, the team includes Agung Suci Tantio Akbar, Abiyu Raffi, Muhammad Aprizal, Satria Tri Wira Yudha, Alarice Mallica Prakoso, Salsabilla Hadi Pamungkas, and Larasati Rengganis.

With limited preparation time, the Indonesian men's gymnastics team indeed faces a significant challenge. But one thing is clear: they are not going just to participate, but to prove that Indonesian gymnastics never loses its fighting spirit.(Antara)