In November 2024, PARQ Ubud, a residential and lifestyle complex located just outside of central Ubud in Bali, was closed down by authorities on the grounds that the business was operating without the correct licenses and on suspicion of being constructed against building and environmental regulations.
The business was given a period of grace to get papers in order, but in failing to do so, the authorities have closed the premises down for good this week.
PARQ Ubud, also referred to by many as ‘the Russian village’, was formally closed down by the Gianyar Regency Government on Monday 20th January.
Speaking to the media during the formal takeover of the property, the Assistant for General Administration of the Regional Secretary of Gianyar Regency, Ketut Pasek Lanang Sadia, explained that the closure was carried out based on the Decree of the Regent of Gianyar Number 285/E-09/HK/2025.
Sadia explained, “The cessation of business activities and the closure of the PARQ Ubud business premises located at Jalan Sriwedari No. 24 Banjar Tegalantang was carried out because it violated Article 19 paragraph 3 of Gianyar Regency Regional Regulation No. 15 of 2015 concerning Public Order and Public Order.”
The closure was carried out by dozens of officers from the Gianyar Civil Service Police Unit, and footage circulating online shows officers removing a number of individuals from the scene in a moment of tension. Sadia added, “The closure was carried out in accordance with the Law and Regional Regulations of Gianyar Regency, and has gone through several stages.”
PARQ Ubud was first investigated back in April 2023, when Civil Service Police Officers conducted a spot check assessment of the property. Officers inspected the visas and residency permits of the individuals living at the premises. While no violations were found, investigations remained ongoing, until November 2024 when officials from the Gianyar Regency Government issued temporary closure notices.
On Thursday 23rd January the Ex-Deputy Governor of Bali and Head of the Bali Hotel and Restaurant Association, Cok Ace, told reporters “This has been an issue for a long time and I myself have also conveyed the meaning that when you are going to build a business, first look at the mechanism to see if it is correct, as in reality, you don’t have a permit when you have a business registration number or NIB as a reference, even though there are many things that need to be completed below that.”
He suggested that the closure of PARQ Ubud could mark the start of a series of crackdowns on foreign-owned tourism, hospitality, and property businesses in the province.
Cok Ace explained, “While we try to be orderly, foreign companies do not follow the rules, so we lose the competition and lose the market because the market comes directly from their respective countries and then lose in terms of paying taxes.”
Speaking to The Australian from Jakarta the Russian Ambassador to Indonesia shared “I don’t believe the people accusing Russian tourists of being the worst among foreign visitors who don’t obey laws and customs in Bali.” He added, “I’m sure it’s not only Russians who commit crimes.”
There have been suggestions that the founders of PARQ will be responsible for returning the 5-hectare property back to its natural state. The site currently features a 103-room hotel and residential complex, co-working spaces, gyms, restaurants, and event spaces.
The Head of the Bali Tourism Office, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, told reporters in a press conference “What is clear is that I want everyone to be open. Foreigners, as long as they follow the existing regulations, whether it is doing business in accordance with the rules, they are allowed to do business, or activities during a vacation in Bali, which are allowed and which are not.”
PARQ Ubud, nor PARQ Development have issued a public statement regarding the closure since the closure foreigners have still been seen to be accessing the property.
On Thursday 23rd January access to the site was still possible with the opening display “’Welcome to Parq Ubud, the city of the future” still present, alongside government closure notices.
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