In brief
Indonesia’s immigration authorities have banned two Dutch men from returning after they organised a marathon run that allegedly favored foreigners over locals. The Entourage Bali run club faced backlash when testimonies surfaced that Indonesian applicants were denied entry while foreign members were accepted. Authorities accused the organizers of holding an illegal event without a permit and suggested it effectively created a “state within a state.” Entourage Bali defended itself by claiming its membership is open to all and that automated errors caused the exclusion. The incident highlights growing tension on the island as digital nomads, influencers and locals clash over space and representation.
Bali’s immigration authority has banned two Dutch nationals after they organised an illegal running event that allegedly discriminated against Indonesian participants.
The block, led by the expatriate-focused group Entourage Bali, drew backlash as reports circulated that the club’s registration process favored foreign nationals and rejected local applicants.
Authorities said the organisers violated immigration rules by holding the event without a permit and warned the event had become a “state within a state.”
Entourage Bali’s statement claimed the club is open to all digital nomads and that automated approval errors caused the mistaken rejection of some Indonesian numbers.
The incident underscores escalating friction on Bali as the island’s growing expat and nomad communities clash over exclusivity and local inclusion, prompting the governor to pledge stricter enforcement of rules.
