Indonesia deports foreign organizers of Bali run club

Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has deported two Dutch nationals who organized a “tourist‑only” running club in Bali’s Canggu district and placed them on a travel‑ban list. Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said the organizers operated “as a state within a state” and violated immigration rules, prompting a zero‑tolerance response. Authorities are also investigating the visa sponsors and warning that businesses facilitating such breaches could face penalties.

The event, run by Entourage Bali, was promoted to digital nomads and attracted criticism after locals claimed they were excluded. The organizers denied discrimination, noting most participants registered with Indonesian phone numbers and that no official ban prevented Indonesian citizens from attending. Badung Police confirmed the RSVP system allowed local participation. The controversy has led other Bali run clubs to pause activities while reviewing community engagement amid a broader crackdown on foreign‑led events.

The incident highlights tensions between Bali’s booming tourism sector and stricter enforcement of immigration and public‑assembly regulations.