Badung Regent Emphasises Strict Permits for Events After Foreign Running Club Controversy

Bupati Badung I Wayan Adi Arnawa has responded to an exclusive running event for foreign nationals that allegedly discriminated against Indonesian citizens in the Canggu area, North Kuta. Adi Arnawa stressed that the Badung Regency Government is committed to maintaining order in the organisation of mass activities in public spaces. The regency government, he explained, fundamentally supports community sports activities to strengthen the image of Gumi Keris as an active and quality tourism destination. However, mass activities that are commercial in nature and feature entertainment in public spaces must obtain official permits. “The principle is simple, whoever the organiser is, whether Indonesian or foreign, all activities that meet the criteria of an event must follow the crowd permit procedure. There is no different treatment,” he stated at the Puspem Badung on Friday.

Adi Arnawa also instructed that events initiated by or involving foreign nationals as the main responsible party must coordinate up to the resort or regional police level. This coordination step is considered crucial given that activities involving foreign nationals have the potential for cross-community and even cross-border impacts. “We want to ensure everything runs safely and in an orderly manner,” he explained. Regarding the immigration status of the person responsible for the activity, the Badung Regency Government has handed over the handling of the case entirely to the Immigration Office and is ready to provide full support for the ongoing legal enforcement process.

To anticipate similar occurrences, the Badung Tourism Office, together with traditional villages and the Canggu Village administration, has been asked to immediately formulate an integrated activity notification mechanism. A clear notification system is expected to provide certainty for organisers while preventing public complaints about noise and public order. “We want a clearer and more integrated activity notification mechanism between the Tourism Office and the village authorities. This is to prevent residents’ complaints regarding noise or public order in public spaces,” the former Badung Regional Secretary said. He assured that Badung Regency remains open to tourists and international activities while upholding the rule of law and respect for local residents. Strict supervision will continue to be carried out to realise quality and sustainable tourism in Badung. He also appreciated the swift action of the police, traditional village officials, and agencies in Canggu for conducting a clarification after the incident came to public attention.