Ministry spokesman Gatot S. Dewa Broto said the Gymnastics Association of Indonesia (Persani) had informed him that the actual reason behind the removal was the athlete’s lack of self-discipline and serious lack of focus, which had resulted in a decline in performance. The athlete, who competes in floor gymnastics, was then replaced by another athlete with a better performance.

However, Gatot said, firm action would be taken if the ministry later learned that the coach had indeed issued a statement that the young woman had been dropped as a result of her losing her virginity.

“We will take firm action if it turns out that losing her virginity has been used as a reason to drop her from the squad. This is a very delicate matter that directly relates to someone’s privacy and dignity. Besides, there is no relationship between losing one’s virginity and performance,” Gatot said in a statement sent to The Jakarta Post on Friday.

He then warned all sport associations to take extra caution when handling sensitive matters, simply because it could undermine the morale of the entire SEA Games squad, which is currently competing at the multi-sports tournament.

Indonesia has sent 841 athletes to compete in 52 out of 56 sports in the Games.

Persani head of development and achievement Dian Arifin declined to comment on this case, saying that she was currently focusing on the tournament.

Popular

RI, Australia strengthen partnership on taxing crypto assets

Analysis: Indonesia denies normalization with Israel to enter OECD

Citroen to produce electric cars in Indonesia