The Globalist Why is Indonesia’s Prabowo under fire over Israel ban? Plus: Fendi’s new chief creative officer
Oct 15, 2025
James Chambers, Monocle's Asia editor, dives into the controversy surrounding Indonesia's president Prabowo and his canceled visit to Israel, touching on local backlash and the nation’s complex history with Israeli sports bans. Inga Thorda reviews global headlines, providing insight into current affairs, while David Phelan highlights the latest tech trends. W. David Marks explores the intricacies of creating an English edition of the Japanese magazine Popeye, revealing the challenges of translation and maintaining cultural authenticity.
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Domestic Politics Drive Indonesia's Israel Ban
- Indonesia's visa ban on Israeli gymnasts is a politically popular move domestically but risks international backlash.
- James Chambers says the ban shores up Prabowo's support amid a rocky domestic start while boosting his populist credentials.
Sport Governance Faces Political Limits
- Indonesia has repeatedly denied Israeli teams entry, yet still wins hosting rights, exposing gaps in vetting by sports bodies.
- Chambers notes the Court of Arbitration for Sport declined jurisdiction because the gymnastics federation hadn't reprimanded Indonesia.
Indonesia's Diplomatic Balancing Act
- Indonesia could be a major peacekeeping contributor and has signalled willingness to recognise Israel conditional on a two-state solution.
- Chambers suggests Prabowo's international posture aims to raise Indonesia's global role while balancing domestic sensitivities.