The permanent closure of a residential and commercial complex in Bali has reignited concerns over the Indonesian resort island’s struggle to safeguard its farmland, according to local observers who have warned that enforcement remains too weak.
On January 20, the Gianyar Regency administration permanently closed Parq Ubud – which locals dubbed “Kampung Rusia” or “Russian Village” – that was popular among Russian visitors and residents on the island.
The sprawling compound built in May 2020 spanned more than 6 hectares (14.8 acres) and housed a hotel with 103 rooms, villas, co-working spaces, a spa, restaurants, gyms and small animal farms.
According to Bali police, 1.8 hectares of the Parq compound is constructed on protected rice paddies and land zoned for sustainable food agriculture, while the rest occupies land in a tourism zone. Commercial developers are not allowed to build on the first two areas.
Parq had converted the rice fields and built villas, a spa and animal farms on the land without “valid permits”, Bali police chief Daniel Adityajaya told reporters on January 24.
Police also said Andrej Frey, a German national who owned Parq, violated two laws on agricultural land protection.
