Julian Petroulas faces backlash and a ban from Indonesia after his viral YouTube video sparks controversy over a land purchase in Bali. In response, he explains every misconception that ensued.
Julian Petroulas, a 32-year-old Australian entrepreneur, has become involved in a controversy in Indonesia. Following the viral YouTube video he uploaded in June 2024, his claim to have “purchased” land in Bali has led to his ban from the country and a surge of negative media attention.
In a newly released video on his YouTube channel, Petroulas sought to clarify the situation and address the allegations made against him.
Petroulas explained that the dispute revolved around a 1.1-hectare plot of land in Canggu, Bali, which he had legally acquired on a leasehold basis. However, after the transaction was completed, he began receiving numerous complaints from locals alleging that the seller had failed to keep promises and left debts unpaid without any further communication.
“Imagine spending millions on a deal only to discover that other people had been wronged, leaving you to clean up the mess,” Petroulas said. “I conducted thorough due diligence, but sometimes things just don’t go to plan.”
Despite his efforts to resolve matters amicably, Petroulas said the seller continued to complicate the situation, prompting him to engage lawyers.
Petroulas revealed that his legal team uncovered evidence of alleged tax fraud by the seller, including the manipulation of the deal’s recorded price to avoid tax liabilities. Shortly after filing a lawsuit against the seller, Petroulas claims he became the target of a coordinated campaign to damage his reputation.
“Just 48 hours after filing this lawsuit, dozens of negative articles and videos appeared online. These were allegedly orchestrated by the individual I sued,” he continued.
The attacks centred on his use of the term “purchase” in his YouTube video to describe the leasehold agreement, which is a lawful and common practice for foreign investors in Bali. Petroulas argued that this technicality was taken out of context to fuel the backlash.
Petroulas stressed that his acquisition was fully compliant with Indonesian law. “I legally purchased a leasehold right to this land,” he explained. “Leaseholds in Bali can span decades, and mine will last for most of my life.”
He continued, “In my video, I said, ‘This is my biggest land purchase ever,’ and because I used the word ‘purchase,’ this has become such a significant crime that the media has published hundreds of articles attempting to destroy my reputation.”
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Petroulas also refuted claims that he does not own Penny Lane Bali, dismissing them as untrue.
“If I don’t own the restaurant, then why do I have access to its financial statements? Penny Lane is one of the most successful physical businesses on the island, generating $500,000 a month and supporting hundreds of Balinese families,” he asserted.
Petroulas also expressed profound disappointment with the treatment he has received, particularly given his affection for Indonesia and its people.
“I abhor corruption. These cheap media stories cost only a few hundred dollars to produce. The government represents the people, and I trust they will closely examine the facts and take a stand against corruption,” he said.
At the end of the video, he concluded his statement by underlining the importance of integrity: “My reputation is everything. A man’s reputation is the most valuable thing he can leave behind.”