Earlier this month, the government announced its decision to deny visas for Israeli athletes expected to compete in the 53rd World Artistic Gymnastics Championships held this week in Jakarta, citing Israel’s military offensive in Gaza that has killed over 67,000 Palestinians.

Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir said the decision reflected Indonesia’s principle of “maintaining security, public order and public interest” in every international event held in the country. The commitment stems from the 1945 Constitution that calls for the government to ensure world order based on freedom, peace and social justice.

“We understand the decision has consequences, where as long as Indonesia cannot accept Israel’s presence, the IOC has decided that Indonesia can’t host world championships as well as Olympic events, Youth Olympic Games or other activities under the Olympic umbrella,” the minister said in a statement on Thursday.

But the minister insisted the government would remain committed to preparing a blueprint for national sports development.

Indonesia would also “continue to play an active role in various sporting events in Southeast Asia, Asia and the World,” Erick said, “so that Indonesian sports can become an ambassador and a reflection of the nation’s prowess in the eyes of the world.”

Read also: IOC chastens Indonesia over Israeli gymnasts' worlds exclusion