Denpasar. Indonesia has barred two Dutch nationals from re-entering the country after they allegedly organized a running event in Bali that excluded Indonesian citizens, in a case authorities said may have violated immigration rules.

Director General of Immigration Hendarsam Marantoko said on Friday that the two foreigners had been placed on Indonesia's blacklist after leaving the country on Wednesday for Singapore via I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.

"There cannot be a state within a state. This running event was a form of creating a state within a state," Hendarsam said.

The two Dutch citizens, identified only by their initials JAS, 35, who held a limited stay permit (ITAS) for employment, and HQV, 37, who held an investor ITAS, were identified as organizers of the Entourage Run community event in Canggu, Bali.

The case drew public attention after social media posts alleged that the event restricted participation to foreign nationals. One post described how a 23-year-old Indonesian woman was reportedly unable to register after declaring her Indonesian citizenship in the online registration system.

Hendarsam said foreign nationals are not permitted to organize events in Indonesia unless such activities are consistent with the purpose of their residence permits. Under Indonesian immigration rules, foreigners may participate only as crew members or official representatives for events involving international performers or artists.

"Foreign nationals cannot create their own rules or exclusivity within Indonesia's jurisdiction," he said.

Immigration authorities have also ordered an investigation into the event organizer and summoned the sponsor of the two Dutch nationals, PT SIG, to explain their activities in Indonesia and whether they complied with the terms of their visas.

If the sponsor is found to have violated immigration regulations, legal action will be taken in accordance with Indonesian law, Hendarsam said.

The incident has sparked wider public debate over discrimination and the growing presence of foreign-run businesses and communities in Bali. It also prompted a complaint from Bali regional representative Ni Luh Putu Ary Pertami Djelantik to immigration authorities and local police.

The Directorate General of Immigration said its role extends beyond providing services to foreign nationals and includes maintaining public order, ensuring legal certainty, and protecting the public from violations of immigration law. 

Following the backlash, Entourage Club issued a public apology on Instagram, saying its mission had "always been to build a welcoming community" regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or nationality. The club apologized to "anyone who was excluded, hurt, or offended" by its application process, particularly members of the Indonesian community, saying the outcome "was never our intention."

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