Bali Bans Two Dutch Expats Over Illegal Run Club
Indonesia’s immigration authorities recently slapped a ban on two Dutch nationals for organising an illegal “disco run” that allegedly discriminated against local Indonesians. The run, run by the expatriate‑focused group Entourage Bali, was held in May but sparked outrage after accusations of preferential treatment for foreigners.
Entourage Bali advertised the event as open for anyone, yet Facebook posts and testimonies claim that Indonesian registrations were rejected while Western applicants were accepted. A woman posted online that her application was delayed because of her Indonesian name and number, whereas her husband’s Western name was processed immediately.
Authorities say the organizers singled out locals through an automated approval error and failed to obtain a permit. Bali governor I Wayan Koster vowed “strict action” to stop such incidents, referring to the club as a potential “state within a state.”
Entourage Bali later issued a statement that their club is “open for everyone, including non‑digital nomads.” The group claimed that 25% of tickets went to Indonesians and that they were pausing all events to implement necessary changes.
This ban comes amid growing tensions between Bali’s thriving digital‑nomad scene and local residents, with authorities tightening regulations on foreign‑run commercial activities on the island.
