Denpasar. Bali Governor I Wayan Koster said a controversial foreigners-only running event in the resort area of Canggu was held without official permission, as Indonesian authorities widen their investigation into organizers accused of violating immigration rules and discriminating against local residents.

The event, known as the "Bali Silent Disco" organized by Entourage Run, drew widespread criticism after social media posts alleged that only foreign nationals were allowed to participate, while Indonesian citizens were barred from registering.

Koster said neither the Bali provincial government nor the Badung regency administration had been informed about the event before it took place.

"According to the Badung regent, the event did not have a permit before it was held," Koster told reporters on Sunday during a World Mangrove Day event in Denpasar.

The run took place in Canggu, a popular tourist destination in Badung Regency, using roads that are often congested and relatively narrow, raising concerns about traffic management and public safety.

Koster clarified that the presence of traffic police along the route should not be interpreted as official approval for the event.

"The police took the initiative to manage traffic in Canggu," he said, adding that provincial and regency authorities had no prior knowledge of the gathering.

"I don't want an event like this to happen again," Koster said, stressing that activities involving foreign nationals should be reported to local authorities so they can assess security, public order and potential impacts on surrounding communities.

The governor also said immigration authorities would continue questioning foreign participants who remain in Bali, although two foreign nationals suspected of organizing the event had already left Indonesia for Singapore last week.

The Directorate General of Immigration has barred the two Dutch nationals, identified only as JAS, 35, and HQV, 37, from re-entering Indonesia after determining they played key roles in organizing the event.

Following the backlash, Entourage Club issued a public apology on Instagram, saying it had always intended to build an inclusive community regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity or gender. The club apologized to Indonesians who felt excluded or offended by its registration process, saying the outcome "was never our intention."

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