Bali Running Event Under Fire for Alleged Discrimination Against Indonesians

A running event held in the Canggu area, North Kuta sub-district, Badung Regency, Bali, is facing criticism for allegedly discriminating against Indonesian citizens (WNI) by exclusively accepting foreign participants (WNA). The alleged discrimination came to light after screenshots of conversations surfaced, showing that potential participants were being selected based on their nationality. In one of the circulated screenshots, an individual claiming to be an Indonesian citizen was rejected with the reason that access to the community could not be granted. Meanwhile, another screenshot indicated that an application from an individual claiming to be German had been accepted. The post sparked protests and questions from netizens regarding the alleged restriction of participants based on citizenship. Ni Luh Djelantik, a member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) from Bali, has lodged a strong protest against the alleged discriminatory act. She has urged the Bali Immigration Office, Ngurah Rai Immigration Office, and Bali Regional Police to investigate the matter. Ni Luh stated that she has already reported the alleged discrimination by foreigners in the event to the Bali Police and Immigration Office. Furthermore, she requested the police to investigate the possibility that the activity was conducted without permits. "And to the foreigners who do not accept the membership of Indonesian citizens, you are doing this in Bali, this is our homeland," Ni Luh said via her Instagram account. In addition to the discrimination issue, the public is also focusing on the aspect of event permits, as the activity utilizes public roads and spaces. I Gusti Agung Ketut Suryanegara, Head of the Badung Regency Public Order Agency (Satpol PP), stated that his agency has not been contacted by the event organizers. "What is certain is that we are still consulting with the legal department regarding the regional regulations (Perda) and regent regulations (Perbup) that we adhere to. What is certain is that the use of public roads for activities that disturb the activities of other users must receive a recommendation or attention from the handling agency or apparatus," he said. Suryanegara added that his agency is still coordinating regarding the aspects of regulations that govern such activities. "We are still communicating or coordinating on this matter. Meaning, from our side as Satpol PP, we have not been contacted nor have we given any recommendations so far," he said. Source: CNN Indonesia