KOI Chairman to Meet IOC in Switzerland to Discuss Israeli Athlete Visa Controversy

Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI/NOC Indonesia), Raja Sapta Oktohari, confirmed he will depart for Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 28, 2025, to hold a direct meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

This meeting takes place amid global scrutiny of the Indonesian Government's decision to deny visas to Israeli athletes for the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta.

Okto – his familiar nickname – stated that the visit to the IOC headquarters is not a spontaneous reaction, but an agenda scheduled long ago.

This step represents a crucial moment for NOC Indonesia to provide direct and diplomatic clarification to the IOC about the context of the situation at home.

“Many matters will be discussed with the IOC, including recent IOC decisions,” said Okto in Jakarta, Saturday, October 25, 2025.

Sports Diplomacy Amid Global Issues

According to Okto, the visa denial for Israeli athletes does carry its own consequences for the relationship between NOC Indonesia and the IOC. However, he emphasized the need for direct communication so the IOC fully understands Indonesia's socio-political and legal background.

“Until now, the IOC has never contacted me directly, so it is indeed necessary to come meet at the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, to find the best solution regarding the current and future dynamics,” Okto stated.

He added that this dialogue is not only to explain Indonesia's stance, but also to open space for constructive solutions so that Olympic principles remain respected without sacrificing national sovereignty and values.

This step is important because the IOC had previously halted all forms of official dialogue with KOI, including discussions regarding Indonesia's potential as a host for the Olympics and other international sporting events.

That decision emerged after the Indonesian government's cancellation of visas for Israeli athletes.

Between Principles, Law, and the Olympic Spirit

In its statement on the official IOC website, Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Executive Board assessed that restricting athlete access based on politics is considered contrary to the Olympic spirit.

“Such actions deprive athletes of their right to compete peacefully and hinder the Olympic Movement from demonstrating the power of sport,” the IOC wrote in its official statement.

Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir emphasized that the visa cancellation was based on statutory regulations and the basic principles of the 1945 Constitution.

The government, Erick said, must place national security and public order as priorities, while still upholding the principle of a free and active foreign policy that rejects all forms of colonialism.

“This step (visa cancellation) complies with applicable statutory provisions. This principle is also based on the 1945 Constitution which respects public security and order, as well as the obligation of the Indonesian State Government to uphold world order,” Erick explained.

Looking Towards Solutions and Indonesia's Sporting Reputation

The meeting between NOC Indonesia and the IOC in Switzerland becomes extremely crucial not only to ease diplomatic tensions but also to maintain Indonesia's sporting reputation in the eyes of the world.

Indonesia is now recognized as one of the major sporting powers in Southeast Asia and has previously shown ambitions to host the 2036 Olympics.

According to a report by Olympics.com, Indonesia was on the list of 10 countries that had expressed interest in hosting the quadrennial sporting event. Therefore, good relations with the IOC are key to the future of national sports diplomacy.

Sports diplomacy will test Indonesia's maturity in balancing national interests and the universal values of sport.

Historically, the world of sport has never been truly separate from politics. However, as the IOC often reminds, the Olympics are built on the spirit of friendship, equality, and peace.

NOC Indonesia's step to open direct dialogue in Switzerland sends a positive signal that Indonesia still wants to be an important part of the global sporting community without losing its national identity.