Bali bans Dutch expats whose run club allegedly excluded Indonesians

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Indonesian immigration authorities have barred two Dutch nationals from returning to the country after they allegedly organized an unpermitted running event in Bali and faced accusations that their expatriate-focused club discriminated against Indonesians. The men, aged 35 and 37, had already traveled from Bali to Singapore before officials announced the ban, according to the report.

The controversy centers on Entourage Bali, a group aimed at digital nomads on the island. Online criticism grew after people alleged that Indonesian applicants had been rejected or delayed while foreign applicants were accepted. One account cited by the BBC said a woman with an Indonesian name and phone number experienced delays, while her husband, using a Western name and number, was accepted quickly. Authorities said the run was organized without required permits, and Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said on Sunday that firm action would be taken to prevent similar incidents.

Entourage Bali said in a Friday statement that its activities were open to everyone, including Indonesians and people who are not digital nomads. The group said Indonesians represented nearly a quarter of ticket holders and blamed some rejected Indonesian-registered numbers on mistakes in an automated approval system. It also said it was pausing events and would make changes.

The case has drawn attention because Bali has seen a rising presence of foreign remote workers and tourists, contributing to friction over housing, business activity and social behavior. Indonesia’s immigration chief, Hendarsam Marantoko, said officials were concerned about foreigners operating in ways that appeared to create exclusive spaces outside local rules.