Bali Running Club 'Discrimination' Row Leads to Entry Ban for Two Dutch Organizers
Indonesian immigration authorities have barred two Dutch nationals from re-entering the country over their role in organizing Entourage Bali's silent disco running event, after social media posts alleged the club rejected Indonesian applicants while accepting foreigners. The incident has triggered a broader crackdown, with several other popular running clubs in Bali pausing activities amid growing scrutiny of foreigners' conduct on the island.
The controversy began with social media posts alleging that Bali's popular running club Entourage Bali had rejected Indonesian applicants while accepting foreigners for its silent disco running events. Screenshots of exchanges circulated widely, prompting swift scrutiny.
On July 24, Indonesian immigration officials announced they had barred two Dutch nationals, identified by the initials JAS and HQV, from re-entering the country over their involvement in organizing the event. Both had already left Indonesia on July 23.
Hendarsam Marantoko, Indonesia's top immigration official, told a press conference in Jakarta that authorities determined the event did not comply with immigration rules, which prohibit foreigners from organizing activities outside the scope of their residence permits. He described the club as functioning like "a state within a state" and said he had instructed Bali immigration officials to investigate the organizers and take action against any foreign nationals found in violation.
Entourage Bali apologized on Instagram to those who felt "offended and hurt," denying any intent to discriminate. The group said errors in its WhatsApp automated approval process had caused some — but not all — Indonesian phone numbers to be incorrectly rejected. It also shared data showing that 22 of 94 registrants for its July 22 event, or about 23%, were Indonesian — the largest national group represented — and announced it was pausing all activities for now. Entourage Bali did not respond to a request for comment.
In the aftermath, other popular running clubs, including Rise Run Bali and Far Ubud Run Club, announced they would temporarily halt their own events. Bali senator Ni Luh Djelantik criticized the club on Instagram, writing that "Bali is welcoming, but our hospitality should never be mistaken for a license to disrespect us," and said an apology from one organizer did not change her view that they should return and take responsibility.
The case adds to growing scrutiny of foreigners' conduct on Bali, which welcomed nearly 7 million international visitors in 2025 — more than its population of roughly 4.5 million. Bali immigration authorities deported 342 foreign nationals between January and June this year, compared with 378 in the first nine months of 2024 and 335 throughout 2023. Earlier this year, Bali's governor introduced new rules for foreign tourists and urged residents to report suspected violations via an official hotline. The incident follows other high-profile cases, including the April deportation of an Italian man after a viral altercation with a traffic officer, and a May operation that detained 62 foreigners suspected of immigration violations.
Things to Consider
Foreigners living in or visiting Bali should confirm exactly what activities their current visa or residence permit allows, particularly if they are involved in organizing running clubs or similar community events — even informally or non-commercially — since such activities may be deemed outside permit scope. Consult a local immigration agent or lawyer before organizing group activities. When managing registrations for events, use clear, documented, and non-discriminatory criteria to avoid allegations of bias based on nationality. Given the intensifying enforcement trend, exercise caution in public statements and group communications, as scrutiny of foreign-organized activities in Bali is likely to continue.
Source: Business Insider