Indonesia’s immigration authorities have banned two Dutch nationals accused of organising an illegal running event in Bali that allegedly discriminated against locals, reigniting tensions between expatriates and residents on the island, a popular destination for digital nomads.
The government banned the organisers following allegations that Entourage Bali, an expatriate-focused community, rejected Indonesian applicants while accepting foreigners.
The two Dutch nationals, aged 35 and 37, left Bali for Singapore before the ban was announced, and authorities have confirmed they will not be allowed to re-enter Indonesia.
According to immigration officials, on Monday, the pair violated Indonesian law by organising the running event without the required permits.
Authorities also warned that they would intensify efforts against foreigners engaged in illegal commercial activities on the island.
“There should not be a state within a state,” Indonesia’s immigration chief, Hendarsam Marantoko, told reporters.
“We consider this running club to be functioning as a ‘state within a state’,” he added.
Reacting to the incident, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster vowed to take “strict action” to prevent a recurrence, stressing that foreigners must not create exclusive communities that sideline local residents.
Entourage Bali, however, defended itself in a statement on Monday, insisting its running clubs were “open for everyone, including non-digital nomads.”
The group said “errors in the automated approval process” had mistakenly rejected some Indonesian applicants, adding that locals accounted for nearly 25 per cent of its participants.
“Entourage was created as a community for digital nomads in Bali to help people who are new to the island connect with others and do fun activities together during their stay,” the group said.
It added that it would suspend its activities temporarily and “make real changes going forward.”