Indonesian immigration officials have permanently barred two Dutch citizens from re-entering the country after they allegedly organised an unauthorized running event in Bali that sparked accusations of discrimination against Indonesian participants.
The men, aged 35 and 37, departed Bali for Singapore before the immigration sanctions were announced.
Authorities later confirmed that both individuals had been prohibited from returning to Indonesia for violating the country’s immigration regulations.
The controversy centered on a running community operated by Entourage Bali, a group largely associated with expatriates and digital nomads.
Public criticism intensified after several Indonesians claimed they were denied access to the club, while foreign applicants were reportedly accepted without difficulty.
The allegations quickly spread across social media, fuelling wider concerns about exclusive foreign communities on the resort island and prompting renewed debate over the conduct of expatriates living in Bali.
Responding to the incident, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster pledged firm action to prevent similar situations, stressing that discriminatory practices would not be tolerated.
Immigration officials explained that the organisers failed to obtain the necessary permits before staging the event, making the activity a breach of Indonesian immigration laws.
In response, Entourage Bali rejected claims that it intentionally excluded local residents.
The organisation maintained that its activities were accessible to everyone, regardless of nationality or profession, adding that Indonesians accounted for nearly 25 percent of registered participants.
The group attributed the controversy to a technical fault in its automated approval system, saying the error mistakenly rejected some users registered with Indonesian phone numbers.
According to the organisers, the community was established to help newcomers, particularly digital nomads, build friendships and participate in recreational activities during their stay in Bali.
They emphasized that membership includes people from numerous countries, including Indonesia.
Entourage Bali also announced the temporary suspension of all upcoming events while it reviews its registration procedures and introduces measures to prevent similar issues in the future.
The organisation previously hosted a successful “disco run” in May, attracting large crowds of participants through Bali’s streets.
However, registration for another event scheduled for 22 July triggered complaints after several Indonesians alleged they experienced delays or rejection during the application process.
One social media user claimed her request remained pending because she used an Indonesian name and local phone number, while her husband, who registered with a Western name and foreign number, was reportedly approved almost immediately.
The incident comes as Indonesian authorities intensify efforts to curb foreigners who engage in commercial or organised activities without proper authorization.
Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said officials would not allow any foreign group to operate outside Indonesian law, warning that no organisation should function independently of the country’s legal framework.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong