DENPASAR, mybalinews.com – Australian entrepreneur and public figure, Julian Petroulas, has denied allegation after he was banned from Indonesia.
Through his legal team Indra Triantoro from Bali Best Law Office, Petroulas clarifying misconceptions about his land ownership and visa compliance.
Julian acquired the leasehold rights to the land over a year ago from a French citizen, whom he is now suing in the Denpasar District Court.
These statements come amidst an ongoing legal dispute with the former lessor of the property.
READ ALSO : Immigration bans Australian influencer after viral flexing content as Bali investor
Julian clarified statements he made in a YouTube video earlier this year. In the video, he referred to owning a 1.1-hectare property in Canggu, which he explained has been misunderstood.
“The term ‘owning’ was used in the context of leasehold rights,” his legal counsel stated.
“Julian does not own the land in freehold, as foreign nationals are prohibited from doing so under Indonesian law. The lease agreement was executed by a notary, conducted transparently, and in full compliance with local regulations, ” said Indra.
Regarding the allegations of immigration violations, Julian Petroulas confirmed he uses a valid Visa on Arrival (VOA) during his visits to Bali.
He said that he used the visa solely for short visits to oversee his investments. Petroulas resides permanently in Dubai, not in Indonesia.
The lawyer also said that Petroulas was not physically manage or conduct any business operations in Bali.
Circular Letter Number IMI-0076.GR.01.01 of 2023 issued by Indonesian Immigration, the lawyer said, explicitly permits VOA holders to conduct business meetings during their stay in Indonesia.
This regulation supports the legitimacy of Petroulas’ activities while visiting Bali.
Petroulas is currently engaged in a lawsuit against the individual who sold him the leasehold rights to the
property. Filed in the Denpasar District Court, the lawsuit alleges breaches of contract and ethical violations in the transaction.
Following the filing of the lawsuit several negative media articles targeting Petroulas have surfaced. His legal team suspected these publications are part of a retaliatory smear campaign.
“We find the timing of these articles suspicious and believe they are intended to damage Julian’s reputation during this legal dispute,” the lawyer said.
In addition to the legal dispute, Petroulas’s legal team has uncovered allegations of potential tax evasion by his opponent related to the income tax owed on the land lease transaction.
These allegations are being reported to the relevant authorities for investigation.
Petroulas reiterated his commitment to conducting business ethically and legally in Bali. His investments, which include popular hospitality venues like Penny Lane Bali, have supported the local economy through job creation and tourism development.
“I have always respected Indonesian laws and customs and will continue to do so,” said Petroulas in the statement.
“These allegations are baseless, and I am confident the truth will prevail, ” Petroulas added.
Earlier reported that Petroulas has been banned from entering Indonesia after creating a flexing content. Immigration claimed that the content created by Petroulas has the potential to damage Indonesia’s image as an investment destination.
“This kind of content can create negative perceptions among foreign investors. Investors will think twice about investing in Indonesia if there is a lot of inaccurate information circulating,” said Acting Director Generalof Immigration Saffar M. Godam said in a statement on Friday (20/12). ( mybalinews / ERV )
1 Trackback / Pingback