Indonesia has barred two Dutch organisers after an expat-run running event in Bali was staged without permits and accused of excluding Indonesian applicants. The men, aged 35 and 37, left for Singapore and are banned from returning. Entourage Bali said Indonesians made up nearly 25% of ticket holders, blamed automated approval errors, and has paused events while it reviews procedures. Local officials have vowed strict enforcement to prevent unauthorised foreign-run commercial activities.
Bali Bans Two Dutch Organisers After Expat Run Club Accused Of Excluding Locals
Authorities say the run event was organised without a permit [Getty Images]
Indonesia’s immigration authorities have barred two Dutch nationals after an expatriate-run running event in Bali was found to have been organised without the required permits and faced allegations of excluding Indonesian applicants.
The event was organised by Entourage Bali, a community aimed at digital nomads. The two organisers, aged 35 and 37, left Bali for Singapore before authorities announced a travel ban; officials said the men are now prohibited from returning to Indonesia.
The controversy erupted after social media posts and testimonies alleged that Indonesian applicants were being turned away while foreign registrants were accepted. One user claimed her application was delayed because of her Indonesian name and phone number, while her husband, using a Western-style name and number, was accepted quickly.
Official Response
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster pledged "strict action" to prevent similar incidents, and Indonesia’s immigration chief, Hendarsam Marantoko, warned authorities would crack down on unauthorised commercial activities run by foreigners. "There should not be a state within a state," he said, adding that they considered the running club to be operating as such.
Immigration officials said the organisers breached immigration regulations by staging the run without proper permits and indicated they would enforce existing rules to stop unauthorised foreign-run commercial or organised activities.
Entourage Bali’s Response
In a public statement, Entourage Bali said its run clubs are "open for everyone, including non-digital nomads," and asserted that Indonesians made up the largest single nationality among ticket holders, accounting for nearly 25% of registrations. The group attributed some rejections to "errors in the automated approval process," which it said had incorrectly rejected certain Indonesian phone numbers.
Entourage said it would pause all events while it reviews procedures and implements changes to avoid similar problems in future.
Context
Bali has become a popular hub for digital nomads, a trend that has at times increased tensions between long-term residents and foreign newcomers perceived to form exclusive communities. The organisers had previously held a "disco run" in May that was widely shared on social media, featuring many foreign participants jogging with headphones.
"There should not be a state within a state," Indonesia's immigration chief Hendarsam Marantoko told reporters, describing the running club's activities as operating beyond acceptable legal boundaries.
Authorities said they will continue to monitor and enforce immigration and commercial regulations to prevent unauthorised activities, while community groups are being urged to ensure equal access and transparent processes for all residents and visitors.
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