Two Dutch nationals who established a running club in Bali exclusively for foreigners have been banned from entering Indonesia following accusations of discrimination against local residents. The men, identified as Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, were placed on the country's no-entry list by immigration authorities after complaints surfaced that the club barred Indonesian nationals from joining.

The group, known as Entourage Bali, promoted itself as a curated social community aimed at connecting travellers, digital nomads, and expatriates through organized activities around the island. The club held regular group runs for foreigners, including a recent sunrise silent disco run that drew approximately 150 participants.

Multiple Indonesians reported being denied membership despite expressing interest in the club. Among them was Annisa Rahmadani Maclean, who alleged discrimination on social media, stating that her application was postponed due to her Indonesian name and phone number while her husband’s, bearing a Western name, was accepted without delay. Other individuals shared screenshots reflecting similar rejections, with the club reportedly telling one potential member that Indonesian residency was the reason for denial, citing the club’s focus on serving digital nomads.

In response, Hendersam Marantoko, Bali’s director general of immigration, criticized the event, describing it as potentially violating regulations and fostering discrimination against local residents. He ordered authorities to detain any foreign nationals involved in organising the club’s activities. However, Storms and Van Vliet reportedly left for Singapore on Wednesday before immigration officers could apprehend them.

Further scrutiny revealed that Entourage Bali may have operated without the necessary permits. Indonesian law prohibits foreign nationals from managing or conducting commercial events in public spaces without official licences, raising questions about the club’s compliance.

In a statement posted on its social media accounts, Entourage Bali apologised for the controversy. The club emphasized its mission to build a community for digital nomads in Bali, aiming to help newcomers connect and engage in recreational activities. It noted that its membership includes individuals from various countries, including Indonesia, and clarified that some events were specifically designed for digital nomads.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Bali regarding the presence of foreign digital nomads and the use of public spaces, amid local efforts to regulate such activities and prevent exclusionary practices.