BADUNG, Bali — Bali-based digital nomad community Entourage Bali has issued a public apology and temporarily suspended all of its activities after facing widespread criticism over allegations that Indonesians were being excluded from joining its community.

In a statement posted on its Instagram account on Friday, the organizers said they take full responsibility for the controversy and pledged to make meaningful changes.

“First, we sincerely apologize to anyone who felt offended. We never intended to discriminate against anyone,” the statement read. “We have decided to pause all events for now so we can take full responsibility and implement real improvements moving forward.”

The controversy erupted after screenshots circulated online appearing to show Indonesian applicants, particularly those using phone numbers with Indonesia’s +62 country code, being rejected from joining one of the community’s WhatsApp groups. The screenshots sparked accusations that the group favored foreigners over locals.

Entourage Bali said the issue stemmed from an error in its automated approval system rather than an intentional policy.

According to the organizers, an incorrect automated setting affected applications to its WhatsApp community and several non-running events, unintentionally creating a bias that rejected some applicants with Indonesian phone numbers.

“We wanted to build a community where people could connect, but a mistake in our automated system created unintended bias,” the organizers said.

The group also rejected claims that membership has ever been based on nationality, saying its community includes members from many different countries, including Indonesians.

It added that while some events are designed for specific audiences—such as digital nomads or women-only walking groups—its regular running club has always been open to everyone without requiring registration.

Entourage Bali also addressed questions surrounding its Silent Disco Run, held on Wednesday, saying it was the first paid running event because the number of wireless headphones available was limited.

The organizers said the event started at 5:30 a.m. to avoid traffic and noted that Indonesians made up the largest group of participants.

According to data shared by the community, 22 of the 94 registered guests (23.4%) were Indonesians, followed by Russians at 14.9% and participants from English-speaking countries at 12.8%. The remaining attendees represented various regions, including East Asia, South Asia, Europe, North Africa, and Latin America.

Entourage Bali said the demographic data reflects its goal of bringing together people from diverse backgrounds rather than creating an exclusive community.

The group also said it regularly collaborates with local businesses and charitable organizations in Bali as part of its weekly activities.

“Our goal has always been to build an inclusive community that creates a positive impact for Bali,” the statement concluded.