Two Dutch nationals have been barred from entering Indonesia after authorities accused them of running a discriminatory foreigner-only run club in Bali.
The men, identified as JAS, 35, and HQV, 37 — understood to be Joost Storms and Hidde van Vliet — were placed on Indonesia’s no-entry list following backlash over their group, Entourage Bali. The club promoted itself as a “curated social community” connecting “travellers, nomads and expats through well-curated experiences at Bali’s best spots”.
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Entourage Bali organised group runs across popular hubs like Canggu, Uluwatu and Ubud, drawing large crowds of foreign digital nomads. A recent sunrise silent disco run reportedly attracted 150 participants. However, controversy erupted after Indonesian applicants claimed they were excluded.
Annisa Rahmadani Maclean, an Indonesian woman, alleged discrimination when her husband was accepted but she was not. “You postponed my application because I have [an] Indonesian name and number, yet you accepted my husband’s application right away because he has [a] Western name and number,” she claimed on social media.
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Screenshots shared online appeared to show other Indonesians being rejected based on nationality or local phone numbers. One user said they were told: “That explains why you are not accepted. Because it’s an automatic system and we are a platform for digital nomads.”
The backlash prompted swift action from authorities. Hendersam Marantoko, Bali’s director general of immigration, ordered enforcement against those involved. “The Bali Silent Disco running event organised by foreign nationals [is] suspected of violating regulations and being fraught with discrimination against local residents. I have instructed the Bali immigration team to inspect the event organiser. If any foreign nationals are involved, arrest them immediately,” he said.
Storms and van Vliet reportedly left for Singapore before they could be detained.
Beyond discrimination claims, the club is also accused of operating without proper permits, which Indonesian law prohibits for foreign-run commercial activities in public spaces.
Ada apa dengan BALI???
Setelah sebelumnya viral penjahit yang rasis dan sudah berdamai, ternyata ada kasus viral lain yg melibatkan diskriminasi oleh club running Entourage yg diisi oleh para WNA dan menolak orang lokal untuk gabung. Akhirnya byk yg speak up terutama dari warga… pic.twitter.com/j9Ks0i9THt— Ry 🤡 (@Ryan_Ramirez) July 23, 2026
In response, Entourage Bali issued an apology on social media. “Entourage was created as a community for digital nomads in Bali to help people who are new to the island connect with others and do fun activities together during their stay,” the statement read. “Being a digital nomad is not defined by nationality. Our community includes members from many countries, including Indonesia… certain events were designed specifically for digital nomads.”
The group added that its automated WhatsApp approval system created unintended bias against Indonesian phone numbers and said locals had participated in recent events.
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Still, criticism remains strong. Bali-based senator Niluh Djelantik said the island’s openness should not be exploited. She warned that the hospitality of locals “should never be mistaken for a license to disrespect”, adding that “utilising public spaces while rejecting local residents is unacceptable”.
The incident has reignited debate over the growing presence of digital nomads in Bali — and whether their communities are integrating with, or excluding, local residents.
