Dutch founders of Bali run club banned after discrimination allegations spark immigration probe
Indonesian authorities have barred two Dutch nationals from re-entering the country after allegations that a popular Bali-based running club excluded Indonesian applicants, triggering public backlash and an immigration investigation.
The controversy centres on Entourage Bali, a fitness and social community known for its early-morning "silent disco" runs in the tourist hub of Canggu. The group came under scrutiny after Indonesian social media users shared screenshots that appeared to show local applicants being denied access while foreign applicants were accepted more quickly.
One widely shared post described an Indonesian woman whose application was placed under review, while her husband, using a Western name and phone number, was reportedly admitted immediately. Similar accounts from other users fuelled accusations that the club favoured expatriates and digital nomads over residents.
Indonesia's Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, condemned the organisers' conduct, saying foreigners must not create exclusive communities that discriminate against Indonesian citizens. Authorities identified the organisers only by their initials, JAS and HQV, and confirmed both had left Indonesia for Singapore before enforcement action was taken. They have since been placed on Indonesia's entry ban list.
Immigration officials are also investigating whether the organisers complied with Indonesian immigration and business regulations. Authorities said foreign nationals are not permitted to organise commercial events without the appropriate permits or visa status.
In a public statement, Entourage Bali apologised to those who felt excluded and denied deliberately discriminating against Indonesians. The organisers said the community had been created primarily to connect digital nomads living in Bali and that an error in its automated approval system caused some, but not all, Indonesian phone numbers beginning with +62 to be rejected. They added that Indonesians accounted for around 25% of tickets sold for the club's running events and announced that all activities had been suspended while they reviewed their procedures.
The incident has reignited debate over the rapid growth of Bali's expatriate and digital nomad communities. Indonesian officials have increasingly tightened enforcement against foreigners accused of violating visa conditions, operating businesses without permits or showing disrespect toward local customs and laws.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
