Indonesian authorities have banned two Dutch men from entering the country after they were accused of establishing a running club in Bali without a permit and discriminating against Indonesians by refusing their membership. This controversy has reignited dissatisfaction toward foreign groups in Bali amid concerns that some foreigners are creating a "closed society" in the area.
Indonesia's immigration office announced a ban preventing two Dutch men from re-entering the country following an investigation into the Entourage Bali running club, which targets foreigners and digital nomads and was accused of excluding Indonesians from participation.
Officials stated that Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, left Bali for Singapore before the entry ban took effect. Multiple media outlets identified them as the founders of the Entourage Bali running club.
The immigration office said both men violated immigration laws by conducting commercial activities without a license and confirmed they would not be allowed to return to the country.
Hendarsam Marantoko, Director General of Indonesia's Immigration Department, said the Bali Silent Disco Run event organized by foreigners may have violated laws and showed discriminatory behavior against local residents. He emphasized that foreigners do not have the right to manage or conduct business activities in Indonesia without authorization. He described the club as resembling a "state within a state" and announced a serious crackdown on foreigners conducting unauthorized commercial activities on Bali island.
Criticism intensified after screenshots circulated on social media showing messages alleging that Indonesian applicants were asked about their nationality and denied participation because they were locals, while foreign applicants were approved immediately.
An Indonesian woman said her application was rejected because she used an Indonesian name and phone number, whereas her husband, who used a Western name and phone number, received a quick acceptance.
Additionally, an internet user shared a message claiming the organizers told an applicant, "Yes, you are Indonesian, and that is why you were not approved because our system is for digital nomads," although this message has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
The case caused widespread dissatisfaction among both Indonesians and foreigners living in Bali. Many viewed it as the creation of an exclusive foreign community in public spaces on the island, making locals feel excluded in their own homeland.
Bali Governor I Wayan Koster announced strict measures to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing that Bali must be a place where everyone is treated equally.
Following the backlash, Entourage Bali issued a statement apologizing to those affected, affirming that the running club welcomes everyone, including Indonesians. They explained the error stemmed from an automatic screening system in their WhatsApp group that unintentionally rejected some phone numbers registered in Indonesia.
The organization also stated that Indonesians make up nearly 25% of past participants and stressed that being a digital nomad is not dependent on nationality, noting their community includes members from many countries, including Indonesians.
However, to show responsibility, the organizers announced a temporary suspension of all activities and pledged to improve their systems and operational guidelines going forward.
Bali, a popular destination for tourists and digital nomads worldwide, is facing increased tensions between foreign communities and locals in recent years. The Indonesian government has affirmed it will strictly enforce laws against foreigners who violate regulations or abuse privileges beyond legal limits to maintain fairness and national sovereignty.