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Bali governor refuses to host Israeli team for World Beach Games
Koster used the same argument that Indonesia did not have a diplomatic relationship with Israel as the justification for the latest decision.
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Bali Governor I Wayan Koster (background, second right) speaks at a press conference on May 6, 2022, announcing the deportation of Russian tourist couple Amdrei Fazleev and Alina Fazleeva (foreground, far left and second left, respectively) for taking nude photos at a Hindu temple compound in Bali. (Bali Provincial Administration /File)
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aving already refused to host the Israeli soccer team at the U20 FIFA World Cup in Bali, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster has now barred a sports delegation from the Jewish state from taking part in the World Beach Games scheduled for August this year.
Koster used the same argument that Indonesia did not have diplomatic relations with Israel as the justification for his latest decision.
"This decision is based on the Constitution. Second, we refer to Foreign Ministry Regulation No. 3/2019," said Koster, referring to the ministry's ordinance governing its conduct with local administrations in the country.
Part III of the foreign ministry's regulation stipulates that a local government in Indonesia can only engage in international cooperation with a foreign country if the country in question has a bilateral relationship with Indonesia.
Koster also based his latest decision on the banning of displays of Israel's national flag and the playing of the country's national anthem on Indonesian territory.
"The Foreign Ministry regulation bans the playing of Israel's national anthem," Koster was quoted by Kompas.com as saying.
Last week, Koster's deputy Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati said President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo would have the final authority in deciding whether Israeli players could join the World Beach Games.
