Bali Bans Two Dutch Expats over Run Club Accused of Excluding Locals
Immigration officials say screenshots showed Indonesians were rejected from the run, and the club’s founders now face an ongoing probe and travel restrictions.
- Indonesia issued an entry ban for two Dutch founders of Entourage Bali, Joost Storms and Hidde van Vliet, after allegations of discrimination in their running club. The pair fled to Singapore last week before immigration authorities could detain them.
- Accusations surfaced after social media users reported being rejected from Silent Disco Run events based on nationality. Bali-based Indonesian Niluh Djelantik criticized the club, stating hospitality 'should never be mistaken for a license to disrespect' local residents.
- Entourage founders, identified by authorities as JAS and HQV , denied discriminatory intent. The club claimed a technical error in their automated WhatsApp approval process caused rejections, asserting 25% of participants were Indonesian.
- Director General Hendarsam Marantoko ordered the immediate arrest of the organizers, describing the running events as a 'state within a state.' Authorities alleged the club violated Indonesian regulations prohibiting foreign nationals from managing commercial events without official licenses.
- While Storms and van Vliet remain in Singapore, the Indonesian immigration office continues investigating the club's operations. The incident illustrates ongoing tensions in Bali regarding digital nomad conduct and enforcement of local business regulations.
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14 Articles
Two Dutch Expats Blacklisted From Bali After Run Club's 'Western Names' Sparks Discrimination Row
Two Dutch nationals have been barred from returning to Indonesia after authorities accused them of organising a Bali-based run club that allegedly excluded local residents and breached immigration regulations. Immigration officials identified the men as Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37. Authorities said they left Bali for Singapore before officers could execute an arrest warrant. Indonesia's Director General of Immigration, Hendarsam Ma…
Sydney Morning Herald
Indonesia has blacklisted two foreign digital nomads in Bali. (Most) people are loving it
Indonesian woman Annisa Rahmadani’s application to join a fun run was put under review. Her Western husband was accepted immediately.
Bali viral run club accused of excluding Indonesians
Two Dutch organizers of a Bali run club have been banned from re-entering Indonesia by immigration after allegations surfaced online that the club excluded local Indonesians from some events. Authorities say the case is under investigation. The club apologized and said there were errors in its automatic approval process.
The Directorate General of Immigration will investigate a running event in Bali that prohibited local residents from participating. Two Dutch nationals are suspected of organizing it.
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