Dutch nationals blacklisted after ‘racist’ running club in Bali

©Fitsum Admasu via Unsplash

Two Dutch nationals are no longer allowed to enter Indonesia following a controversy surrounding a running club in Bali that allegedly barred local residents. The Indonesian immigration service has issued an entry ban against the men, aged 35 and 37, who are considered the organizers behind “Entourage Bali.” They left for Singapore at the end of July, even before the ban was officially announced, and are now on the blacklist.

The controversy arose after a “Silent Disco Run” on July 22 in Canggu, a popular running and party event where participants run to music while wearing headphones. Screenshots of chat conversations circulated on social media in which potential participants appeared to be selected based on nationality. For example, an Indonesian was reportedly refused entry, while a German was admitted. “That explains why you weren’t accepted. It’s an automated system, and we’re a platform for digital nomads,” the organization reportedly replied.

Immigration Chief Hendarsam Marantoko called the event “a state within a state” and emphasized that foreigners in Indonesia are not allowed to organize events without a permit. “In foreign countries, foreign citizens may not impose their own rules or exclusive rights,” Marantoko said. The authorities are also investigating the local sponsor, PT SIG, and verifying whether the Dutch nationals’ residence permits (a work ITAS and an investor ITAS) were used correctly.

Entourage Bali denies discrimination. In a statement, the organization stated that the group “is open to everyone, including non-digital nomads” and that Indonesians accounted for nearly 25% of the tickets. They cite “errors in the automated approval process” that “accidentally” rejected some Indonesian phone numbers.

The issue strikes a sensitive chord in a country where foreign expats are sometimes viewed as a separate community. Governor Wayan Koster has since stated that there are no longer “clubs exclusively for foreigners” in Bali.

©Fitsum Admasu via Unsplash - illustrative image