21-1-2025 (UBUD) A contentious tourist accommodation facility known locally as the ‘Russian Village’ has been permanently closed by authorities in Bali’s cultural district of Ubud. The PARQ Ubud complex, situated on Jalan Sriwedari in Tegallalang, was shuttered on Monday by the Gianyar Civil Service Police Unit (Satpol PP) following repeated violations of local regulations.
The closure marks the second enforcement action against the facility, which was previously sealed in November 2024. I Ketut Pasek Lanang Sadia, Assistant for General Administration of Gianyar’s Regional Secretary, confirmed that the shutdown “followed proper legal procedures and adhered to regional regulations.”
Social media footage of Monday’s closure depicted scenes of unrest as authorities executed the shutdown order. The complex, which operated as an apartment facility with co-working spaces, restaurants, and cafes, was found to be in breach of multiple local ordinances, including Article 19 of Gianyar’s Public Order Regulation and the 2022 Risk-Based Licensing regulations.
The establishment had drawn significant attention from immigration authorities, with the Foreigner Surveillance Team (Timpora) conducting three separate inspections due to its high concentration of foreign nationals, particularly Russian tourists. Despite management’s assertions that the facility welcomed all nationalities, its reputation as a ‘Russian enclave’ persisted.
Prior to the final closure, local officials had attempted to engage with PARQ’s management through meetings in May and November 2024. However, the ownership failed to produce required permits, including basic documentation such as building permits and certificates of functional suitability.
Of particular concern to authorities was the complex’s location on protected agricultural land. Officials have mandated that the property must be restored to its original state, highlighting the broader issue of unauthorized development on Bali’s diminishing agricultural spaces.
I Made Watha, Head of Gianyar Satpol PP, noted that while management had previously agreed to temporarily cease operations until proper permits were secured, compliance remained insufficient. The closure represents a significant step in local authorities’ efforts to enforce building and tourism regulations in the popular holiday destination.
The shutdown comes amid growing concerns about unregulated tourist developments in Bali’s cultural heartland. Local officials emphasise that while tourism remains vital to the region’s economy, developments must comply with local regulations and respect protected land designations.
