Major update as Bali resort is shut down and arrests made

The chaos continues for a major luxury resort in Bali, that was forcefully shut down by authorities due to multiple regulatory violations.

The chaos continues for a major luxury resort in Bali, that was forcefully shut down by authorities due to multiple regulatory violations.

Last week, locals were filmed celebrating the closure of PARQ Residential Complex in Ubud — commonly referred to as “Russian Village” and described as a “global creative town for entrepreneurs, artists and investors”.

PARQ is one of a growing number of self-contained “cities” sprouting across Bali that offer loopholes for foreigners wanting to invest in the island but prohibited from owning land under local law.

The German national behind PARQ Ubud has allegedly been arrested.

Since the dramatic closure, which saw hundreds of government security forces descend on the premises to kick everybody out — police have now arrested the founder and director of the complex in connection with the “illegal transfer of land functions.”

According to The Bali Sun, the German national has been the alleged mastermind behind PARQ Developments, with PARQ Ubud standing as the most established company property.

It was reported multiple requests to comply with local permit regulations and development restriction were ignored before the closure happened.

According to local media, The Bali Police Chief, Daniel Adityajaya, told reporters that the 53-year-old man owns 34 certificates of ownership for the plots of land that make up the PARQ Ubud site, which spans over 1.8 hectares.

Locals celebrated the news of the closure on social media — with some accusing the Russians of causing trouble.

The complex has been shut down by local authorities due to multiple regulatory violations.

Tense scenes played out outside the luxury accommodation.

“Great news … they have no respect for the Balinese culture, nature or island. It’s time Bali, again, belongs to the Balinese and has appropriate tourism and expat management. Bali should live forever,” said one person.

“Fantastic. Bali needs to take back its identity and demand respect,” another added.

However, some locals were critical of the closure and those celebrating it.

“So sad to see many people being judgmental toward tourists from Russia based on the behaviour of a few irresponsible individuals,” one said.

“Before making such judgments, you should come and see for yourself. Most of them are friendly and polite. The issue lies solely in their permit compliance, so let’s stay on topic and avoid unnecessary generalisations.”

One of the luxury apartments at Parq.

The closure is part of a broader initiative by Balinese authorities to enforce planning regulations and address concerns over foreign-owned developments that may not align with local cultural and environmental standards.

According to The Bali Sun, the arrest comes after months of investigation work starting in November 2024, but PARQ Ubud was first visited by the authorities in April 2023.

Many Russians have fled to South-East Asia to escape conscription and the dire economic situation in their homeland — investing in these so-called Russian villages.

– with Ben Graham