Bali Regent: Permits Required for All Events, No Special Treatment for Foreigners

The Regent of Badung, Bali, I Wayan Adi Arnawa, has responded to a recent controversy involving a running event in Canggu that allegedly discriminated against Indonesian citizens in favor of foreign nationals. Arnawa stressed the importance of permits and maintaining order for all public activities. He affirmed the Badung Regency government's commitment to ensuring orderly public events, following the emergence of the dispute over the community run in Canggu, North Kuta District. The Regent acknowledged receiving updates from relevant officials and praised the swift actions taken by the police, local customary leaders, and village officials in clarifying the situation on the ground. "We appreciate the rapid response from all parties who have clarified, so this issue can be handled objectively and in accordance with applicable regulations," Arnawa stated in a written release on Friday (July 24). He explained that the Badung Regency government generally supports community sports events as part of a healthy lifestyle and to enhance the region's image as an active tourism destination. However, he clarified that any event involving a large number of participants, commercial elements, or public entertainment must comply with all existing permit requirements. "The principle is simple: whoever the organizer is, whether Indonesian citizens or foreign nationals, all activities that meet the criteria for organizing an event must follow the crowd permit procedures according to regulations. There is no different treatment," Arnawa asserted. He further instructed that future events organized by or involving foreign nationals as primary organizers must be coordinated up to the resort police and regional police levels. This step is deemed crucial given that events involving foreigners can potentially have cross-community and even cross-border impacts. Regarding immigration status, Regent Arnawa emphasized that matters concerning the immigration status of event organizers fall under the authority of the Immigration Office. The Badung Regency government will support any law enforcement actions taken in accordance with legal statutes. "We fully entrust the immigration office to follow up according to its authority. The Badung Regency Government will fully support the process," he said. As a preventative measure, Arnawa also requested the Badung Tourism Office, along with the Canggu Customary Village and Village officials, to develop a clearer and more integrated notification mechanism for events. This mechanism is expected to provide certainty for organizers and prevent public complaints related to noise.

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We appreciate the rapid response from all parties who have clarified, so this issue can be handled objectively and in accordance with applicable regulations.