Bali bans Dutch expats after run club accused of excluding Indonesians

Two Dutch nationals have been banned from Indonesia after their expat-run club allegedly discriminated against locals and violated immigration laws. Joost Storms, 35, and Hidde van Vliet, 37, left Bali for Singapore before authorities placed them on the country’s no-entry list, immigration officials confirmed. The men’s group, Entourage Bali, advertised itself as a “curated social community” for “travellers, nomads and expats” and had hosted a sunrise silent disco run attracting 150 participants. But when Indonesians tried to sign up, they say they were rejected. Annisa Rahmadani Maclean, an Indonesian woman, claimed on social media that her husband was accepted immediately because of his Western name while her application was postponed because of her Indonesian name and number. Another anonymous user said the club told them: “That explains why you are not accepted. Because it’s an automatic system and we are a platform for digital nomads.” The allegations reignited tensions on the island, where digital nomads have flocked in recent years, and prompted Bali Governor I Wayan Koster to vow “strict action” to prevent such incidents. Hendersam Marantoko, Bali’s director general of immigration, ordered the arrest of any foreign nationals involved. “The Bali Silent Disco running event organised by foreign nationals [is] suspected of violating regulations and being fraught with discrimination against local residents,” he said. Authorities said the event was also held without the required permits. Storms and van Vliet left for Singapore on Wednesday before they could be detained. In a statement on Friday, Entourage Bali apologised, saying its run clubs were “open for everyone, including non-digital nomads” and that Indonesians held nearly 25% of tickets. It cited “errors in the automated approval process” that “incorrectly rejected” some Indonesian numbers. The group said it was pausing all events and promised “real changes going forward.” But the damage was done: the two men are now barred from returning to Indonesia.