Indonesia’s Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko at a press conference in Jakarta, on July 24, announcing the blacklisting of two Dutch nationals behind Entourage Bali. (ANTARA/Laily Rahmawaty)
For context, the two Dutch men, identified by the initials JAS and HQV, reportedly organised the “Silent Disco Run” event that took place on July 22 in the tourist area of Canggu, Bali, featuring over 100 participants running through the streets while a live DJ and MC performed from a moving truck.
An online backlash occurred subsequent to the event’s conclusion, as local Indonesian applicants shared viral screenshots showing that their applications to join the club and its running event were delayed, ignored or rejected, while foreign applicants received swift approvals.
High-profile Balinese figure, Senator Ni Luh Djelantik, also amplified the public outrage, further criticising foreign visitors for showing disrespect in the archipelago
During a press conference in Jakarta, Immigration Director General Hendarsam Marantoko said that “there should not be a state within a state. We consider this running club to be functioning as a ‘state within a state'”. He further elaborated that the two foreigners have left Bali for Singapore the day after the event on July 23, highlighting that “we have decided to place them on a re-entry ban”.
Additionally, General Hendarsam instructed the Bali Immigration Office to conduct further investigation into the running club and to take appropriate legal action should associated parties be found to have violated immigration regulations.
Entourage Bali reportedly has suspended all activities and publicly apologised, claiming that the Indonesians’ exclusion wasn’t intentional and rather attributing it to an error in their automated WhatsApp approval system.
About The Author
