Bali Governor Consistently Disallow Israel's Presence in 2023 AWBG

VIVA – Bali Governor I Wayan Koster confirmed that he still disallows Israel's presence in the 2023 ANOC World Beach Games (AWBG) in Bali on August 5-12. 

"I emphasize to consistently disallow the presence of the Israeli Team in the World Beach Games in Bali in 2023," Koster said in a written statement, on Saturday.

Previously, Bali Governor Wayan Koster met with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dito Ariotedjo at the Bali Governor's Office House Jayasabha, on Friday. The meeting was also attended by the Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (KOI or NOC), Raja Sapta Oktohari to discuss Bali's readiness to host the 2023 ANOC World Beach Games (AWBG).

After this meeting, Dito Ariotedjo, Wayan Koster, and Raja Sapta Oktohari held a press conference. Then, there was news about Bali Governor fully supporting the 2023 World Beach Games.

Because of that, Bali Governor Wayan Koster reaffirmed his statement in writing which consisted of 4 points, namely:

1. The Indonesian Youth and Sports Minister, Dito Ariotedjo, and the Chairman of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC), Raja Sapta Oktohari met the Bali governor Wayan Koster on Friday (Sukra Kliwon, Bala) April 14, 2023, at Jayasabha, Denpasar. 

2. During the meeting, Governor Wayan Koster emphasized that the mandate and authority of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia must be upheld in the 2023 ANOC World Beach Games in Bali, by upholding human values. It means, this event will be carried out without Israel. 

3. The statement of Bali Governor to respond to news on social media, which reported that he fully supported the 2023 ANOC World Beach Games despite the presence of Israel. I emphasize that this news is not true, my attitude remains consistenty disallow Israel’s presence in the 2023 AWBG, in Bali.

4. Koster also emphasized that he is ready to fully support the organization of the World Beach Games in Bali in 2023, so it runs smoothly and successfully, as long as according to the agreement without Israel’s presence.