In brief
Bali authorities have barred two Dutch nationals for organising an illegal running event that allegedly discriminated against Indonesian participants. The incident stems from the Entourage Bali run club, which faced backlash for allegedly rejecting local applicants while accepting foreigners. The duo has been denied re‑entry, and local officials vow stricter enforcement of expat commercial rules. The ban highlights growing frustration over perceived privilege among international communities on the island.
Indonesia’s immigration authorities have expelled two Dutch nationals for organising an illegal running event that reportedly discriminated against local participants. The run, organised by the expatriate‑focused group Entourage Bali, faced a backlash after online posts suggested the club rejected Indonesian applicants while accepting foreign members.
The 35‑ and 37‑year‑old Dutchmen left Bali for Singapore before the ban was announced and will not be allowed back into Indonesia. Authorities said the event was held without the required permits, violating immigration laws.
Bali has become a hotspot for digital nomads, sparking greater tension between expatriates and locals. Governor I Wayan Koster pledged “strict action” to prevent future incidents, while the immigration chief criticised the club as a “state within a state.”
Entourage Bali’s statement claimed its run clubs were open to everyone, including Indonesian nationals, and that automated errors caused some local registrations to be rejected. The organisation announced a pause on all events, promising real changes going forward.
Additional reporting by Liza Tambunan in Jakarta.
