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What began as a popular running club for digital nomads in Bali has turned into one of Indonesia's biggest talking points this week
The controversy has sparked accusations of discrimination, prompted an immigration investigation, and even resulted in two Dutch organisers being banned from re-entering Indonesia.
If you've been seeing the story all over social media, here's everything you need to know.
1. It all started with a popular run club in Canggu
The controversy centres around Entourage Bali, a running community based in Canggu that was founded by two Dutch nationals.
The club regularly organised social runs and events aimed at helping expats and digital nomads meet new people while living in Bali.
2. The club was accused of excluding Indonesians
The backlash began after Indonesian social media users alleged that locals were being shut out of the community.
Several people shared screenshots claiming that applications submitted using Indonesian phone numbers (+62) were ignored, delayed, or rejected, while those using foreign numbers or Western names were approved much faster.
The posts quickly went viral, leading many to accuse the club of operating as a "foreigner-only" community despite being based in Indonesia.
3. The organisers say it wasn't intentional
Following the backlash, Entourage Bali posted a public apology on Instagram.
The organisers claimed the issue was caused by an error in their automated WhatsApp approval system, which unintentionally created a bias against some Indonesian phone numbers.
They said the club was never meant to exclude locals and was originally created to help digital nomads find community while living abroad.
The group also disputed claims that Indonesians were unwelcome, saying locals made up nearly 25% of participants at one of its recent "silent disco" running events.
4. Indonesian authorities launched an investigation
The incident soon caught the attention of Indonesia's immigration authorities.
Officials found that the two Dutch organisers had violated the conditions of their stay permits by organising community events that were not permitted under their limited stay visas.
Indonesia's Director-General of Immigration, Hendarsam Marantoko, condemned the incident, saying there "can be no state within a state", adding that foreigners should not create exclusive communities that operate outside Indonesian laws.
5. The organisers have now been banned from Indonesia
The two organisers, Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, have been placed on Indonesia's national entry ban list.
According to authorities, they had already left Bali for Singapore on 23 July before the sanctions were officially imposed.
The immigration ban means they are no longer allowed to re-enter Indonesia.
6. Balinese leaders also spoke out
Bali senator Ni Luh Djelantik was among those who publicly criticised the incident and referred the matter to immigration authorities.
She said Bali's hospitality should never be taken for granted, adding that welcoming visitors "is not a licence to disrespect us".
7. The run club has suspended all of its events
In response to the controversy, Entourage Bali announced that it is pausing all events indefinitely.
The organisers said they are reviewing their processes and taking full accountability for the reputational damage caused by the incident.
8. The controversy has sparked a bigger conversation
While the incident began with a running club, it has since grown into a wider discussion about life in Bali.
Many Indonesians have pointed to the case as an example of growing concerns surrounding digital nomads, gentrification, and whether some foreigners are respecting local communities and Indonesian laws while living on the island.
The case has also served as a reminder that foreign nationals operating businesses, events, or communities in Indonesia are still required to comply with the country's immigration and permit regulations.
