The government will not grant visas to Israeli gymnasts who intend to participate in the World Championship in artistic gymnastics in Jakarta, says Indonesia's Minister of Justice Yusril Ihza Mahendra.
The Israeli team would have been led by Olympic gold medalist and current world champion Artem Dolgopyat in the men's floor exercise.
Jakarta's governor Pramono Anung said on Wednesday that the arrival of the Israeli athletes would create deep emotional unrest among the majority of Indonesians. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country.
Their presence would obviously provoke public anger in such a situation, said Anung.
The Israeli Gymnastics Federation has not yet commented on the decision.
The World Championship in artistic gymnastics starts on October 19 in Jakarta.
