In brief
Indonesia’s immigration authorities have barred two Dutch nationals from returning to the island after they organized a ‘disco run’ run by an expat‑focused club called Entourage Bali. The event was held without a permit and was accused of rejecting Indonesian applicants while welcoming foreigners. Bali Governor I Wayan Koster pledged strict action to prevent similar incidents, while Entourage Bali denied discrimination and said it would pause events to correct administrative errors. The move highlights growing tensions between digital nomads and locals on the popular tourist destination.
Indonesia’s immigration authorities have barred two Dutch nationals from re‑entering the island after they organized an illegal running event that was said to discriminate against local participants.
Entourage Bali, an expat‑focussed group, held a “disco run” in May that attracted a largely foreign crowd. When the club announced a new run slated for 22 July, online posts began alleging that the organiser favoured Western names and numbers, rejecting Indonesians.
The two 35‑ and 37‑year‑old Dutch men fled to Singapore before the ban was announced. Expulsion means they cannot return to Indonesia, authorities confirmed. Bali Governor I Wayan Koster vowed “strict action” to stop similar incidents.
Immigration officials cited the lack of permits and the club’s “state within a state” behaviour as reasons for the ban. Entourage Bali said it is “open for everyone” and blamed an erroneous automated approval system for rejecting some local numbers.
The group paused all events and pledged to make real changes. The ban underscores rising friction between digital nomads and locals amid Bali’s surge in expatriate tourism.
Additional reporting by Liza Tambunan in Jakarta.
