Immigration Blacklists Two Foreign Nationals Over Discriminatory Bali Running Event

The Directorate General of Immigration has taken action against two foreign nationals suspected of organising the Entourage Run event in Canggu, Bali, which allegedly discriminated against Indonesian citizens. Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko stated that the two individuals have been placed on a blacklist and subjected to administrative sanctions.

“There can be no state within a state. This running event was a form of a state within a state,” Hendarsam said in Jakarta on Friday. He explained that the two foreigners, identified as JAS, 35, a holder of a Limited Stay Permit Card (ITAS) for work, and HQV, 37, an ITAS holder for investment, had already left Indonesia. They departed for Singapore via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport on Wednesday evening.

“We have now placed both of them on the blacklist,” Hendarsam confirmed. He added that the immigration action was taken because their activities were suspected of not complying with the provisions of their residence permits. Under Indonesian immigration regulations, foreign nationals are prohibited from organising events if the activity does not align with the type of residence permit they hold.

The Entourage Run Bali case came under public scrutiny after a social media post claimed the Canggu running event only opened registration to foreign nationals. The post recounted the experience of a 23-year-old Indonesian woman who was unable to proceed with her registration after indicating her Indonesian citizenship. The matter also drew the attention of Bali Regional Representative Council (DPD) member Ni Luh Putu Ary Pertami Djelantik, who subsequently reported the allegations to the Bali Immigration Office, the Bali Police, and the Ngurah Rai Immigration Office for further investigation.