A running community in Canggu, North Kuta, largely made up of foreign nationals, is facing accusations of discriminating against Indonesian citizens after screenshots alleging systematic rejection of local applicants went viral, triggering public outrage and drawing the attention of a member of Indonesia’s national legislature.
According to social media posts circulating this week, Indonesian residents who applied to join the group’s running sessions described being repeatedly turned away or ignored, while foreign applicants reportedly received quick approval to participate. The group has also drawn criticism for running sessions that frequently take over public roads, contributing to traffic congestion in the area.
Screenshots Ignite Public Anger
The controversy escalated once online discussion pointed to citizenship, rather than any stated club policy, as the apparent basis for selection. Beyond the discrimination allegations, the group’s activities came under scrutiny for regularly occupying public roadways in ways that disrupted traffic flow.
The allegations drew a swift wave of criticism across social media, with many arguing that a foreign-led group effectively controlling access to public space amounted to a fundamental unfairness playing out on Indonesian soil.
“There’s a running club in Bali that won’t let Indonesians join. We’re making this video because it’s time to speak up for what’s right,” said British running enthusiast Josh Fothergill in a social media post addressing the issue.
A fellow runner featured in the same video echoed the criticism, calling the alleged exclusion of local residents an abuse of privilege and urging the group to change its practices or stop operating altogether.
“How can you come to someone else’s country and feel entitled to do something like this? Entourage Bali, clean up your act or leave,” said fellow foreign runner Jack Ahearn in the same recording.
A Lawmaker Steps In
The controversy reached Indonesia’s national legislature, with a Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) member from Bali calling on immigration authorities and police to investigate. She urged local government to examine whether the group’s activities were properly licensed and to take firm action against any foreign nationals found responsible.
“We are asking Bali Immigration and the Bali Provincial Police to follow up on our report regarding the alleged discrimination by foreign nationals and activities that may be unlicensed. To the foreign nationals refusing membership to Indonesian citizens, you are doing this in Bali, this is our homeland,” said Ni Luh Djelantik, DPD RI member representing Bali, on Friday, July 24, 2026.
A Venue Distances Itself From the Controversy
Amid the fallout, one venue frequented by the group’s runners issued a public clarification, stressing its role was limited strictly to hospitality.
“Our role in this event was purely as a venue and food and beverage provider for participants. We had no authority over, or involvement in, communication with participants, including registration and membership decisions,” wrote the management of Atelier Sandwich via its official Instagram account, @ateliersandwich.bali, as cited by Hey Bali on Friday afternoon.
The venue emphasized its commitment to equal treatment for all guests regardless of race or nationality, and explicitly condemned discrimination in any form.
“We had no knowledge of or involvement in the organizer’s internal policies or decisions. We condemn all forms of racism and do not support such actions in any way,” the statement continued.
No Response From the Group Itself
Hey Bali reached out to the community/organizer, Entourage Bali, through its official Instagram account, @entourage.bali, seeking comment on the allegations. As of publication, no response had been received.
What We Know So Far
- A Canggu-based running community, largely composed of foreign nationals, is facing allegations of rejecting Indonesian applicants while approving foreign ones.
- Screenshots and video statements from foreign members of the group alleging discrimination went viral on social media this week.
- The group has also been criticized for running sessions that disrupt traffic on public roads.
- DPD RI member Ni Luh Djelantik has formally called on Bali Immigration and police to investigate.
- A venue associated with the group, Atelier Sandwich, has publicly denied involvement in membership decisions and condemned discrimination.
- The group, Entourage Bali, has not responded to requests for comment.
This is a developing story. Hey Bali will update this report as more information becomes available.
