Israel and the Republic of China (ROC) were excluded from the Games, as in solidarity with People's Republic of China and fellow-Muslim majority countries in the Middle East, Indonesian immigration officials refused to issue entry visas for the Israeli and Taiwanese delegations.

The Asian Games Federation council voted 22–20 in favour of the Indonesian capital over Pakistani city of Karachi, the only other candidate.

[4] Indonesian pride was so high at that time, that it did not invite Israel and Taiwan despite both being members of the Asian Games Federation [AGF].

The weightlifting and wrestling events were held at Ikada Sports Hall, now demolished to make way for the National Monument.

While Weightlifting was in the program, the IWF withdrew recognition of the Asian Games competition after the Indonesian federation barred Taiwan and Israel from taking part.