Bali Authorities Temporarily Shut Down PARQ Ubud, Sparking Controversy
The Gianyar Regency Government in Bali has temporarily shut down PARQ Ubud, a luxury hotel-apartment complex popular with Russian residents and dubbed the "Russian Village." The closure, led by Gianyar’s Regional Secretary Dewa Alit Mudiarta, was ordered due to missing basic business permits, including the Building Permit (PBG) and Certificate of Feasibility (SLF). Located on Jalan Sri Wedari, PARQ Ubud can only reopen once these essential permits are secured.
Dewa Alit stated, "This closure is temporary until they meet the basic permit requirements." This decision follows inspections by the Licensing Oversight Technical Team, which found the permits missing despite PARQ Ubud having operated for four years. PARQ Ubud, a sprawling 65,000 square-meter complex, includes apartments, restaurants, wellness spaces, and a concert hall, making it one of Ubud’s largest tourism developments.
The closure has sparked discussions on social media about Bali's approach to foreign investments and environmental impacts. Some comments criticize the government for allowing projects to operate for years before verifying paperwork, while others lament the environmental toll of developments like PARQ Citadel, a new gated community by the same developers that reportedly cleared a significant forested area in Ungasan.
The temporary shutdown has led many to hope for more scrutiny on large foreign-funded projects, urging authorities to protect Bali’s natural and cultural heritage. Local voices also call for increased efforts to address issues like deforestation, water scarcity, and community impacts, and to ensure that foreign investments benefit Bali’s local economy rather than exploit it for profit.
