A video showing dozens of Indonesian police officers storming PARQ recently went viral on local news platforms. Security guards at the complex tried to block the authorities, leading to a scuffle.
According to reports from residents of PARQ, the authorities eventually entered the premises. Soon after, an official statement appeared in the media: “The Gianyar Regency, in collaboration with Bali Police, has closed the PARQ hotel and entertainment complex in Ubud.”
To clarify the situation at PARQ—known in Balinese media as the “Russian village”—we went to Ubud.
At the entrance to PARQ, there were no police officers in sight, only a couple of security guards chatting with Gojek drivers about the previous day’s chaotic events. The central square in front of the main entrance, which had been a hotspot, now seemed calm.
A prominent banner catches the eye near the entrance. Balinese authorities had previously put up a similar one months ago, but PARQ staff quickly covered it, and the issue seemed to have subsided. This time, things appear more serious. The main entrance is sealed off with police tape and chains.
The banner reads: “This property is closed under the decree of the Gianyar Regent,” followed by a list of violations attributed to PARQ. It also warns: “Anyone who removes or damages this notice will face criminal charges.”
Balinese authorities explained that the decision to shut down PARQ Ubud was due to non-compliance with Article 19, Clause 3 of Gianyar Regency Regional Regulation No. 15 of 2015 regarding public order and tranquility, and Regulation No. 2 of 2022 on risk-based licensing.
I Ketut Pasek Lanang Sadia, Assistant to the State Administrator of Gianyar Regency, emphasized that the closure of PARQ was carried out lawfully:
“The closure was implemented in accordance with Gianyar Regency’s regulations after several stages. In November, we temporarily closed the PARQ hotel-apartment complex in Ubud due to alleged failure to obtain necessary business licenses, including a building permit (persetujuan bangunan gedung) and a certificate of occupancy (SLF). During the last meeting, PARQ owners failed to present the required permits and agreed to cease operations until the documents were obtained.”
Despite this, the temporary closure in November 2024 didn’t actually take place. So, what’s happening now?
Inside PARQ, activity seems normal. Staff clean the premises, café workers carry bottles of drinking water, and residents go about their day.
“Everything is open and running. Yesterday there was a commotion near the entrance, and police briefly walked around inside. But there were no inspections—those are just rumors”. “The atmosphere is mostly calm, but the lack of information is unsettling.”
Igor, a coworking user, adds: “Those renting monthly or yearly aren’t as concerned as apartment owners. The management says everything is under control, but there’s a lot of speculation. Still, I doubt anyone will be forced out.”
The coworking space, allegedly targeted by immigration officials the day before, is bustling. Cafes and restaurants remain open, and there’s no sign of police.
When asked for a comment, PARQ’s management declined. However, back in November, a company representative had described the situation as a temporary misunderstanding:
“On November 4, 2024, an administrative inspection at PARQ Ubud identified missing permits for about 7% of the property (50 are of the total 7.5 hectares). Importantly, there are no operational areas on this land, so it’s normal for the documents to still be in process. We agreed to obtain the necessary permits within 12 months or before opening new facilities. The administrative notice was installed as part of standard bureaucratic procedures and is not a cause for concern. PARQ remains fully operational. Verify information from reliable sources and stay positive.”
About PARQ
PARQ is a sprawling architectural residential complex with massive buildings, long pools, restaurants, a coworking space, and art venues. It combines privacy with its scale, creating a unique, secluded environment. Its facilities include a gym, spa, concert spaces, children’s areas, and shops. PARQ often hosts concerts by Russian celebrities, forums, and presentations.
The high concentration of expats in this enclave has sparked tensions among some locals. Balinese activist Niluh Djelantik, known for her criticism of unruly foreigners, has previously threatened to “deal with” PARQ.
Sources: detik.com, balinews.id
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