Two Dutch nationals who organised the Entourage Bali running club were banned from re-entering Indonesia after leaving Bali for Singapore on July 23, 2026. [1, 2, 3, 4] Indonesian immigration authorities said the organisers violated immigration laws by hosting events without proper permits. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The organisers, identified only by their initials JAS (35) and HQV (37), hold Limited Stay Permits—JAS for employment and HQV as an investor. [2, 3, 4] The club faced accusations of rejecting Indonesian applicants while accepting foreigners. Entourage Bali acknowledged errors in the automated approval process for WhatsApp groups, which led to some Indonesian numbers being incorrectly rejected. [1, 2, 3, 4]

"We have made errors in the automated approval process for our WhatsApp groups and non-running events. While we were trying to create a place where digital nomads could meet, a bias was created that some (and not all) +62 numbers/ Indonesians were incorrectly rejected," the club said in a statement. [1]

Despite the criticism, Entourage Bali said its events are open to all. Around 23-25% of participants in the July 22 event were Indonesian, out of 94 total registrations. [1, 4] The event sparked online accusations of discrimination shortly after it was held. [1, 4]

Indonesian Director-General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said, "We consider this running club to be functioning as a ‘state within a state,’" referring to the organisers' disregard for immigration rules. [2]

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster vowed strict action to prevent similar incidents in the future. [1] The controversy reopened debate over alleged discrimination and exclusion of locals by expatriates in Bali. [1, 5, 4] Some other running clubs in Bali have temporarily suspended social activities following the uproar. [4]

Entourage Bali previously held an event in May 2026, described as a silent disco run, which saw many foreigners participating. [1, 5] Following the July controversy, on July 24 the club apologized and clarified its inclusion policies while admitting the system errors that affected Indonesian applicants. [2, 3, 4]

Later on July 24, immigration authorities announced the two Dutch organisers were banned from returning to Indonesia. [2, 3, 4]